Question-Week ending Sunday 10/19/03:
Choose the activity you believe requires the participants to be "most patient" to achieve success. Please read our Poll Commentary before taking this poll.
Pre-Poll Commentary:
One of Webster's definitions of 'patient' is to be "steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity." Being patient, even in the fast pace world we live in, is indeed a virtue that we all need to practice more in every aspect of our life. Patience is not a relative to the words lethargic or procrastination. Instead it means giving your well thought out plan a chance to materialize and work its magic, rather than throw the towel in at the first sign of difficulty or adversity.
It's important for leaders to plan well and then be patient enough to have their associates work the plan to fruition. This does not mean that the plan can't be tweaked or altered along the way. Plans need to be navigated, just as a ship in the ocean. However, it's important to recognize that every plan and goal takes time and a total commitment to accomplish.
Today we are watching a total lack of patience in the media with regard to rebuilding Iraq. It's been just six months since the fall of Saddam, and the media perception is "our patience is running out" in Iraq. Too many people expect miracles to occur at warp speed there. If our leaders are forced to be impatient in Iraq, we may set ourselves up for a total failure. With patience, we can tweak and navigate our plan to total victory.
In this week's poll, we will take a look at some activities that require patience to be successful. It may help to engage in activities that require patience, in order to build and practice the skill of "being patient.
Let us know in this week's poll which activity you believe requires the participants to be "most patient" to achieve success. This poll will end on Sunday 10/19/03, when the results will be displayed.
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Results:
- 34% of voters chose Fishing as the activity that requires the participants to be "most patient" to achieve success.
- 28% of voters chose Investing as the activity that requires the participants to be "most patient" to achieve success.
- 16% of voters chose Chess as the activity that requires the participants to be "most patient" to achieve success.
- 13% of voters chose Gardening as the activity that requires the participants to be "most patient" to achieve success.
- 09% of voters chose Collecting as the activity that requires the participants to be "most patient" to achieve success.
- 00% of voters chose Dancing as the activity that requires the participants to be "most patient" to achieve success.
Post-Poll Commentary:
Fishing was our top choice this week with 34% of votes, as the activity that requires the most patience to be successful. Even though I am not a fisherman, I know very passionate individuals who love to invest hours, days and even weeks engaging in this activity. Fishing is an activity that can range from a simple pastime off a bridge with a rod and reel to a week-long tournament in a million dollar vessel with every amenity and technology known to man. Yet regardless of your approach, it takes patience to be successful.
Investing was our second choice and the past three years have taught most of the investing public about the value of a long term financial strategy and the virtue of patience.
When it comes to leading others, patience is indeed a quality that is necessary for success. Great Leaders are Great Teachers. Jack Welsh of GE proved this statement over and over again during his career. It's very difficult to be a great teacher without practicing patience.
Now is a great time for you to begin developing more patience. Become more aware of your actions and how you treat others. Give your well thought out plans a chance to materialize. Keep practicing the many skills and leadership qualities we've been discussing in this series. Then enjoy the growth and success of being an accomplished leader and happy individual.