Leadership is many things to many people, but is patience one of those attributes? How does a leader in an organization show patience to its workforce?

Here are six steps toward being a more patient leader.

1. Communication

Communication is the foundation of leadership. Patience is built upon the understanding of what is actually taking place on the front lines of the organization. Hiding under a rock and not addressing relevant issues makes for impatience. Taking the time necessary to work out problems will result in better communication throughout the organization.

2. Trust

Trust is a two-way street. Trust is helping others grow within the organization. Leaders must be able to leverage themselves in making sure others will succeed. Trust your instincts and show patience when it comes to growing your people. One of the best ways to build trust and patience is through mentorship. Mentoring enables a leader to give back, and the employee to become more than just a paper pusher.

3. Respect

Respect is earned. Remaining patient when times are tough or problems are not being resolved quickly will go along way in gaining respect. Being a servant leader enables you to work through those issues that are part of doing business. If you do not respect your workforce, it will show, and it will have an ill effect on the culture within the organization. Respect enables a leader to have the patience necessary to lift up both the employees and the organization.

4. Focus

Leaders must be focused not so much on themselves, but on others. If not, the leader will develop a "what's in it for me" culture. This causes much frustration, and a leader will become impatient because things are not being done quickly enough. If the leader misses the big picture, it will lead to failure. A leader must focus on how he/she can make better use of the workforce. Patience and learning help make the culture better and will result in a smoother-running organization.

5. Persistence

A leader who becomes intimidated or fearful all the time will have an organization that will ultimately be ineffective. Some fear is necessary, but too much will show the workforce that is it OK to do nothing. Leaders who are persistent in getting things done are showing true patience. They want to be engaged with the organization, and this will inspire results. Persistence helps not only the leader to grow, but also the workforce and the organization.

6. Responsibility

Leaders who are patient take responsibility for their actions. They make sure they are accountable. This accountability helps in running more efficient and effective organization. Mistakes are opportunities for the organization and the leadership to learn and grow.

When all is said and done, patience will help the organization progress in future endeavors, build better relationships, strive to inspire others and build a better culture for its workforce.