“We can’t judge”, Sarah explains to Edward.

A lesson in Leadership Patience

After Friday’s Weekly review meeting.

They were standing in Edward’s office

Overlooking the park

Wind blowing, waving trees

It was as if nature resembled

His thoughts.

They just finished a great week

Had a good weekly review meeting.

So why did he feel this way?

…

Edward knows he had been impatient

Asking for more …

At the wrong time.

Still the meeting ended well

But …

Edward did not feel good about himself.

…

“Edward, you know

What one of your biggest challenges is?”

Sarah went straight to the issue

“You become impatient

When you feel – and know –

Our division can do so much more.

I tell you Edward …

Look at where we are coming from

The incredible progress made

It's not correct to be impatient

Nor judging the way you judge.”

…

Edward stayed in silence

Letting Sarah’s words sink in.

She was right … so right.

Edward knew deep down

Sarah’s words held wisdom.

His impatience wasn’t just about the team …

It was about his expectations of himself.

Instead of judging contributions

Edward realizes

He should pay even more attention

To how his team members

Make their choices and decisions

He needs to – and can – be 

A better leader-catalyst to his team.

“Sarah, you are right

Thank you for being truthful

And telling me where I need to improve.”

…

Edward is now alone

Overlooking the park

Wind still blowing, waving trees

It all looks different now

Harmonious movements

Accompanied by a late afternoon sun.

Edward feels good and grateful

Now …

He is already looking forward

To the time in the Theatre of his Mind

Edward loves his special corner at home

Where he encounters guidance, always.

He will find the best ways

To talk with each team member

Discover how they

Make their choices and decisions.

He already knows …

No need to be impatient

No need to judge.

True leadership, Edward realizes

Isn’t about demanding more

But about understanding more.