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Leadership in the Waiting
Why Patience Is a Strategy, Not a Weakness
Ikechukwu Okoh
July 28, 2025
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Speed Without Control Is Nothing
Early in my career, I believed that leadership was all about speed: moving quickly, making decisions promptly, and acting decisively.
When things slowed down, I worried that something was wrong.
However, during a significant hospital restructuring project in Nigeria, I learned an important truth:
Sometimes, leadership requires waiting, not because you are passive, but because you are preparing.
We had completed the groundwork, and new systems were in place, but the necessary approvals were delayed.
Instead of trying to force progress, I chose to pause.
That pause allowed us to strengthen our plan, train our teams effectively, and avoid costly mistakes.
When we finally received the green light, we executed flawlessly.
This success was not due to rushing but rather because we waited thoughtfully.
Leadership isn’t always about acceleration;
Sometimes, your greatest strength lies in patience.
The Leadership Power of Patience
Why patience matters in leadership:
It prevents premature decisions that erode trust
It creates space for better information and alignment
It models composure under uncertainty
Patience is not passivity.
It’s active waiting, preparing for the window of opportunity while staying grounded.
Three Types of Waiting Leaders Must Master
1. Strategic Waiting
When timing is critical for success (e.g., launching a product, entering a market).
Ask: “What would be the cost of acting too soon?”
2. Relational Waiting
When trust needs time to build.
Ask: “What conversations need to happen before decisions?”
3. Emotional Waiting
When frustration tempts you to act impulsively.
Ask: “What outcome do I risk by reacting now?”
Framework: The WAIT Model
W – Watch the context
→ Is this delay external or internal?
A – Assess readiness
→ Are your people and systems truly prepared?
I – Identify leverage
→ What can you improve while waiting?
T – Time the trigger
→ Decide the non-negotiable moment when waiting ends.
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Ikechukwu's Journal
This week, I reflected on how much leadership energy we waste fighting delays.
But some of my biggest wins happened during those “slow” seasons because I used the pause to prepare.
Remember:
The pause is not a punishment.
It’s preparation.
What to do this week:
Identify ONE area where you’re forcing progress
Ask: What could I strengthen during this waiting season?
Share this newsletter with a leader who needs this reminder today
If this resonated with you, tag someone whose steady leadership has shaped you.
And don't forget, tomorrow, Episode 8 of Fireplace Conversations will be live at 8 AM.
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Ikechukwu Okoh
Founder of Leadership Pulse
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