During the interviewing process for my book, Master Leaders, one of the most riveting comments that emerged was the idea that leaders must be able to handle delayed gratification. Our “payoff” comes after we have helped others to be successful. Sometimes that takes a few hours, sometimes perhaps a few years. I think this is less of a struggle for a true leader than for someone posing as a leader because the natural orientation of a great leader is to think in the future, not in the moment. Perhaps one’s comfort with delayed gratification is a filter for determining whether or not someone is truly a leader. And wouldn’t recognizing that success may not be seen for a prolonged period of time reduce the pressure felt to produce immediate results? Great leaders always seem to have the long view in mind. Evaluating impact over the long haul through the growth of the people we lead is part of that package.
Delayed Gratification
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January 19, 2010
While I agree, it should be noted that this is not just a matter of being patient ourselves. Most leaders not only need to be comfortable with delayed gratification, but also need to teach those they are leading to be comfortable with it as well.
I suspect that more leaders are comfortable with delayed gratification than we realize, but that they are often not permitted to exercise such patience.
January 25, 2010
You can be patient, the positive form of delayed gratification, when you have not only vision, but the plan that will get you to the fulfillment of that vision. When you are aware of the steps necessary to get you to your goal, you take satisfaction in the completion of every step because it leads you that much closer to the ultimate fulfillment. No successful military leader fought each battle to win, but as part of a master plan for victory.
January 27, 2010
I find the element of a good leader is not really a delayed gratification – but a leader that works for a gratification he will never receive. Isn’t that what Hebrews 11 is all about with the fathers of our faith? I take joy in seeing others discipled and come to intentional realizations, or a avenue to express their passions, gifting and talents in – but it is the father’s joy that I feel. A true leader should work for the Kingdom focused goal, without the need for any self-gratification. The long view is the Kingdom View or it’s worthless. Just some thoughts and I look forward to reading this book.
February 24, 2010
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Phil 2:2
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 JN 1:4
But without faith it is impossible to PLEASE him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb 11:6
Pastors should be gratified by what pleases God and bring joy : Congregational harmony, walking (not sitting ) in the truth and leading people who diligently seek God instead of being just weekend warriors.
This is why it is SO important to TRAIN their people for the work of the ministry (EPH 4;12) If the people are not active , then they will be engaged in the system of the world ..which feeds the flesh.
Involved, not just informed brings results