Axl Rose, Leadership Guru?
Ever thought you could get a professional life lesson from a rock band?
Because until last year the only personal experience I had with the term “patience” was from the classic Guns N' Roses song. I know what you’re thinking. I was hoping for a “November Rain” corollary too. But it’s true, all we need is just a little... patience.
2023 brought my most challenging and exciting professional experiences yet. I was lucky to work with great partners as we built out two high potential development programs. And I was surprised when more than once I was complimented on my patience. Something that I can easily say was not a common compliment in my career. Energy? Sure, heard that one all the time. Ability to convey a message? Got it. But patience? Nope, just Axl and his whistling for me on that topic.
Patience is not developed in isolation; it's a collaborative effort. At the heart of collaboration is patience. It revolves around teamwork, understanding, and most importantly, waiting for outcomes to shape up before reaching conclusions. Here lies a paradox - while patience is key to successful collaborations, it is also built and refined through these very practices.
It was easy to show up with patience because I had great collaborators. But it was also easy because it wasn’t about me.
It was easy to show up with patience because I had great collaborators. But it was also easy because it wasn’t about me. Or the core team. Or our external partners. It was about the participants. I had the opportunity to work with 100 amazing Managers and 25 outstanding executive leaders and entrusted with helping them discover enhanced leadership. “Welcome to the Jungle,” right? Instead, it was easy to stay focused on them. Not the project plan. Or the loudest voice in my ear. Or frankly, my own ego.
Getting something done fastest wouldn’t give those 125 leaders their best experience.
Simply declaring decisions wouldn’t help others learn more about new development approaches.
Pouting over the occasional disagreement wouldn’t solve the question at hand.
Putting in the hard work of living in my Courageous Authenticity AND Strategic Focus was imperative for cultivation of patience. Specifically, the level of patience that gets recognized by others.
The lyrics implore, "Just a little patience, yeah...," and I will now get to hear Axl, Izzy, Slash and Duff every time I think about those 125 leaders.
