At times, I hear or read something that seems providential in its timing, because I needed it at that moment. Such is the case with a statement by Timber Hawkeye: ”Flowers only bloom when they are ready. People are the same way. You cannot rush or force them open just because you think it’s time. Be patient.”

This is a beautiful analogy of what is needed in leadership. Successful leadership does not consist of leading people all the same way, because people are not the same.

The principles of leadership never change. People, however, learn and advance differently. There are those who advance quickly, while others learn at a slower pace. An effort to rush or force them into places or positions when they are not ready only creates frustration for everyone involved.

While patience is a virtue that most everyone desires to have… right now, the ability to demonstrate patience in the development of others is a treasured quality for leaders.

When demonstrated by leaders, patience encourages followers to develop in ways that reach their greatest potential.