The Importance of Patience for Decision-Making

Test yourself

The Importance of Patience for Decision-Making

Taking your time is key. Do not rush decisions.

Don't be afraid to decide

Equally, do not be frightened of making a decision.
Temptation is your biggest Achilles here. When things are going badly, when you are faced with a difficult, testing or consuming situation, there is always a temptation to go for the quick and easy win.
Often this is not the smartest or best play and often, this will cause longer-term issues.
Often, the tempting play has unintended consequences that you probably had not considered.

Waiting is good

Sitting tight and waiting intelligently can be one of the hardest things to do but this is such a key trait of the best leaders.
Taking your time over a decision, action or approach is hard. It is unpredictable though and hugely powerful.

Misguided expectation of speed

People often expect fast decisions, fast actions, for there to be a high-speed impact.
Human nature is to be busy, to work at speed. Surely if we work at steam, fire out lots of emails and key actions then we have done our job?
In my opinion, this is wrong, flawed and a sign of a weak or misguided leader.

First obstacle - you

The first obstacle to overcome when you take your time over a decision is yourself.
- You must fight the inner mental voice that says you are being lazy.
- Worse still, a narrative forms that you are being weak or waiting because you cannot make a decision.
Repel these thoughts when they form.

Have a plan for waiting

If you are adopting an approach of intelligent waiting then have a plan, communicate this plan systematically and effectively, train people in how your plan works and their role within it.
The key is to have the strength of character to sit tight and believe in your plan and your approach.
Ensure that you hit your key milestones when you intended and stay tactical in your approach.

1Introduction

1.1Misconceptions & Key Principles

1.1.1Misconceptions & Key Principles of Leadership

2Good Leadership Style

2.1Analysing Leadership Style

2.1.1Leadership Style - Questions to Ask Yourself

2.1.2Leadership Style - Misconceptions & Advice

2.2The Qualities of a Good Leader

2.2.1What Makes a Good Leader?

3Analysing Yourself

3.1Understanding Yourself

3.1.1The Importance of Understanding Yourself

3.1.2The Johari Window

3.2Your Values & Dealing with Others

3.2.1Defining Your Values & Accepting Judgement

3.3Personal Qualities: Being Reflective & Humble

3.3.1Self-Reflection, Making Mistakes & Humility

4Building a Team

4.1Important Principles for Building a Team

4.1.1Choosing the Right People & Team Beliefs

5Decision-Making

5.1The Key to Making Decisions Effectively

5.1.1The Importance of Patience for Decision-Making

6Recap

6.15 Key Principles for Leading

6.1.1Recap: 5 Key Principles

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