Patience II

On July 24th, I wrote an entry entitled Patience. Contained therein was a comment that at some point I would return to the subject.

I apologize to those who may think that I am writing on this too soon, but as previously mentioned, I am not the most patient person in the world. (Plus, I think this entry will be a little bit different from what I originally was commenting on.)

I spent my Labor Day weekend locked in a room with the area's Human Resources Directors and General Managers, about 25 people total. Contained in this room are the most demanding, Type-A personalities. For 12-15 hours per day, we were discussing and debating the merits of a labor contract. BRUTAL!

The people in the room are considered to be successful in their careers. Are they successful because of their tenacity? At what point does tenacity become impatience? Is there a difference between the two? I think the answers are... They are successful for a number of reasons, tenacity may be one of them... I don't know when tenacity becomes impatience... I think the difference is the approach.

Approach... Look at these two statements...
You left the milk out.
Can we please remember to put the milk in the refrigerator?

Both give the message that leaving the milk out is unacceptable. The difference is the approach.
The first sentence feels accusatory and naturally asks for a defensive response. The second sentence has a joint-responsibility feel. Eliciting a "teamwork" response. The first sentence is short and to the point. The second is longer and fluffier.

If we can exhibit enough patience to examine our approach, then those we interact with will appreciate and respect us. That is why those people are successful... They have figured out how to balance patience and approach. What a wonderful thing to have mastered. I hope that I can learn from their example.