Good afternoon from snowy Calgary airport. I was supposed to be on an airplane to Winnipeg but snow on the Canadian Prairies has delayed most flights here today, including mine. And so I wait.

And it is no surprise to me that I should find myself waiting. The universe, and a good friend, both have suggested that this week’s Leadership Notes look at waiting as a leadership issue. I’ve been “waiting” on a couple of issues in my personal life, relishing the moment and the demands for patience. As a ‘road warrior’, I am intimately aware of the waiting required in airports. And I’ve been learning that waiting is a key part of our lives as leaders.

So for example, we might be waiting as a plan unfolds into action. We might wait to see the results of a decision. We might wait for a better environment in which to roll out a product or service. And it is during these times that we learn the power of waiting and patience. Although there may be a 4 year old deep inside us demanding that we “have it now”, as leaders we know that waiting and patience are key to our success. (And there are times when waiting is not always a good thing. For example, waiting for someone’s behaviour to change without giving them feedback about it will more often than not backfire). And waiting is part of our work.

How can you increase your patience in waiting times? First, learn to embrace it, could this be a time to rest? Could this be a time for reflection? Second, take time for yourself even in the midst of busy periods; I’ve been finding it very helpful for example to get up a half hour early and do yoga in my hotel room each morning on a road trip. That focus on peace and gratitude have been instrumental in finding patience waiting. And I heard a great idea the other day, when you see the “hourglass” on the screen in Windows, or the “colour wheel” on an Apple product, take them as a cue to breathe, to relax; the system is waiting, why don’t you?  And finally, yes, there will be times when systems like airlines and airports get backed up, or when people have to go on their own journey and it may take them longer than you’d like, or that something is a barrier to a project; none of these have occurred to punish you, or to single you out. It’s not the end of the world. Relax and take a moment to send a text to a friend, to call a family member, or to sit quietly and think of all the things you are thankful for. And you may just find, that the present moment is in fact, a pretty marvellous moment.

May each of us find time to wait this week.