The "IF 16"
Leadership Attributes
Number 3: Patience – When Waiting Counts
"If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies"
Leaders are expected to make things happen and to be oriented towards action, but General John Pershing’s endeavors when America entered the First World War demonstrate the importance and power of patience. America was ill-prepared to fight effectively, so General Pershing created a plan to remedy this situation. Unfortunately, the Alliies were not prepared to wait.
Patience requires:
1. Accurately assessing the situation you face
2. Creating a compelling and thorough plan
3. Building a broad and strong base of support
4. Executing the plan/meeting commitments
5. Preparing contingencies.
