A Huge Requirement for Leaders

Leaders are always ready to act.  We see capture a vision and are ready to move on solutions, dreams, and fulfilling the mission.  For leaders, the answer has been confirmed.  We have thought through the possible scenarios and the various aspects of the issues we face.  So when it comes to taking action, leaders are chomping at the bit to go!  

Action is where the leader desires to be.  It is where they thrive.  It is also where they find themselves most vulnerable.  If those we lead have not yet captured the vision or committed to the mission, they can easily get suspicious of the leader.  

"Who does he think he is?" "What does she think she is doing?" "I'm not so sure this is the direction we need to be heading." Just because the leader feels as though they have reached the answer does not mean their followers have reached the same conclusion.

A wise man once said of leaders, "Don't get too far out in front of the people you are trying to lead.  If you do, they will not be able to keep up.  Then you are no one longer a leader.  Just a guy taking a walk."  This is the dangerous tendency for the leader whose vision is huge.  That is why each leader must learn the character trait they may find the hardest to develop, patience.  It is among the most essential necessities for a leader.

Patience means taking the people you lead with you on the journey toward the future.  It means being mindful of getting buy-in and input into the goal-setting process.  Leading is guiding the process and insuring the mission remains supreme.  It is not draging people unwillingly toward a perceived vision of the future.

So what do you do we you are tired of being patient?  When you know where you want to go and how you want to there? When you are ready to press the pedal to the metal and race toward the fulfillment of the vision you have created?

Don't Quit - If you are tired of waiting, don't quit the ones you are trying to lead.  Chances are you may think others would move more quickly toward your vision I another context.  This is untrue for the most part.  People are just as slow to adopt change and create momentum in any context.

Keep Casting the Vision - Night and day, keep casting the vision you possess. Be known by it.  Don't stop sharing it until the people around you can quote it and have adopted it for themselves.

Pace Yourself - A former pastor I worked for was fond of saying, "We are in a marathon, not a sprint.". Remember, almost everything worth doing takes an incredible amount of time.  Pace yourself just ahead of where those you are leading find themselves and not any further.

Get Input and Buy-In - Ask people what they think.  Really listen. be open to exchanging your ideas for better ones that come along.  Invite people into the process of building a vision and direction.

The patient leader gets to enjoy the victory of achieving the vision.  The impatient leader often never sees this occur.  You may be frustrated with what little can happen in three months.  You would surprised with what can happen in three years.  Be patient.  Good things come to those leaders who are.