How Patience and Persistence in Leadership Reaps Long-Term Rewards: A Personal Account
If you’re looking for instant gratification as a leader
This might not be the role for you.
I worked for many years managing marketing professionals.
I would watch them
– Set budgets – Create campaigns – Get clicks and conversions same day
I wish it were that easy with leadership.
As a leader, I had to learn to identify less direct, long-term impact.
I got a great reminder of that this week.
When I met with an old direct report (and friend) for coffee.
After we worked together, he got a job as a VP leading a team of 8.
The feedback from his boss:
– The team loved to work with him – He had never seen a more engaged team – And he was impressed with his performance
He was proud to share this with me, and I knew he deserved it.
Then he says, “I have you to thank for teaching me.”
This was completely unexpected.
I hadn’t worked with him in over a year.
As his leader I spent years coaching and developing him.
I saw the impact he had on his team, but I’m sure it was hard for him to see day-to-day.
👉 The moral of the story
You need to wait and watch for signs of your impact.
And when you see them, hold on and remember them.
I know I will ❤️
Leaders, the impact you make sometimes you cant see.
Give yourself a pat on the back. You deserve it.
Happy Friday, friends!
