Waiting…

I am waiting on a text.

I am waiting on a call back.

I am waiting for a train. 

I am waiting. 

As a leader, there is planning to be accomplished, people to meet with, and goals waiting to be achieved.  There are annoyances and value to be discovered in the waiting. 

I am not a good waiter.  I know this about myself.  I like to see things accomplished, items checked off a list, and time not wasted in the process.  The factor that I have no control over is the waiting for the engagement of others.  The follow through that is imperative for the next steps to unfold, and the ease or difficulty at which it happens.

What I have learned, and still need reminding from time to time, is that the waiting is part of the process.  It is the element that gathers anticipation and one that keeps me engaged in the work.  It is the one element that I can count on as a factor in every project and in every business decision.  It is the space that allows me time to think, change my mind, or strengthen my position or plan.  It is the thin margin between missteps, mistakes, or mishandling of a situation, project, or critical activity.    

Waiting is the necessary step on the ladder to accomplishing greatness at any level of achievement.  It is the touchstone for doing what is best for people on your team.  It is the active encounter between pulling the trigger and hitting the mark.  It is the ability to see the waiting as a break between doing it well and doing it with smart execution and attention to all the details.  Waiting is the secret ingredient to you getting your way and not being blindsided by factors that you didn’t consider early on. 

Waiting is not weeks or months on end.  Waiting is calculated, curated, and curtailed by a leader’s engagement and thoughtful prodding of individuals and teams to ensure progress. Waiting is neither the priority nor the goal. Waiting is a process to allow you the time you require to achieve what is best for your team, organization, while fulfilling your obligation to lead well.