[November 26, 2015] Incidents over the past few weeks in the Middle East have heightened our awareness of the volatility of the region. What many respected and proven leaders advise is a dose of tolerance and patience among the major powers; especially those that have strong military forces in the area. Senior leaders who consistently produce success understand that much can depend on their forbearance1 – their tolerance and patience.
Forbearance is a term not used much longer these days but if we speak of the traits of patience, self-control, restraint, and tolerance, then we speak of forbearance and what is needed in a great senior leader. Historically we have seen the destruction of a country when the leader lacked forbearance and conversely countries grow strong when their senior leaders possess it.
“Mutual forbearance and reciprocal concessions: thro’ their agency the Union was established – the patriotic spirit from which they emanated will forever sustain it.” – Martin Van Buren
In the Middle East, just a few days ago Turkey’s air force shot down a Russian fighter that was carrying out attacks on anti-Assad forces. It matters not whether the Russian jet entered Turkish airspace, in this particular instance the leaders of Turkey are examples of leaders lacking tolerance and patience. Of course, we assume that countries act rationally and that is not always the case.
Those possessing the characteristics of tolerance and patience are much more difficult to defeat. Too many leaders act without patience. Acting hastily can bring about an undesirable result and often no decision or a delayed decision is better than a decision made in haste. Patience is not an easy trait for those of us who attained our positions because of a leader’s natural aggressiveness.
Too many leaders act without tolerance. Low levels of tolerance are associated with both a lack of respect for others and bereft of moral courage. They struggle to deal with crises because they have not properly prepared themselves or their organizations. It is true that all crises are different and each requires a nuance of skills that are hard earned from relevant experiences. No surprise that great leaders are difficult to find.
Senior leaders who want success must be tolerant and patience and, as well, encourage those same qualities in those they oversee.
[Don’t forget to “Like” the Leader Maker at our Facebook Page.]
————————
- http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/forbearance