Patience at Work: The Quiet Superpower for Career Success

Neringa Jagelavičiūtė,  Language & Confidence Coach

Ever rushed a project only to realize you missed a crucial detail? Or reacted to a situation too quickly, only to regret it later? We’ve all been there. In a world that praises speed and efficiency, patience can feel counterintuitive—but it’s often the hidden edge that drives real success.

What Patience Really Means at Work 

Patience isn’t about waiting passively. It’s about choosing to pause thoughtfully, listening before reacting, and making deliberate decisions rather than impulsive ones. It’s the quiet strength that allows you to see the bigger picture and act with purpose.

Why Patience Matters

• Better decisions: Slowing down allows you to weigh options and avoid costly mistakes.

• Stronger relationships: Colleagues and clients feel respected when you give them space and understanding.

• Resilience: Setbacks become manageable when you approach them calmly rather than reacting in panic.

  
  

How to Practice Patience at Work

• Pause before responding to emails, messages, or meetings.

  
  

I know why we often skip this step—once we reply, the task feels “done.” And while “done is better than perfect,” as Sheryl Sandberg in Lean In reminds us, this is one of those moments where rushing can cost more than it gains. Instead, remember the last time you didn’t have time to answer an email or return a call immediately—and how that delay unexpectedly turned out to be a blessing!

• Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

  
  

Work can feel overwhelming. As Seneca reminds us, we often imagine more pain than we actually experience—but even imagined pain can put us under unrelenting stress.

Years ago, I watched a friend knit for the first time. Out of curiosity, I asked her, “What will you do when you get to the sleeves?” She looked at me calmly and said, “I’ll think about it when I get there.” That’s the essence of breaking large tasks into smaller steps: dealing with each part as it comes, instead of letting the whole project intimidate you.

• Use mindfulness techniques to stay calm under pressure.

  
  

Jefferson Fisher, from The Jefferson Fisher Podcast, explains masterfully—in plain, human language—what makes communication effective. He often emphasizes simple practices, like the importance of breathing deeply.

A Few Hints

How do we actually practice patience? Here are a few practical tips—and why taking the time to do so could give you an edge you didn’t know you had.

• Waiting to pitch a new idea until the timing is right can make all the difference. Don’t believe me? Take a lesson from Anna Wintour:

  
  

"It’s always about timing. If it’s too soon, no one understands. If it’s too late, everyone’s forgotten."

—Anna Wintour, iconic editor of Vogue since 1988.

• Allowing a team member space to grow rather than micromanaging—don’t take my word for it. Ask a newbie, and you might hear something like this:

  
  

When I was new to the team, I was nervous about taking on a big project. My manager could have micromanaged every step—but they stepped back and trusted me to handle it. That space gave me confidence, and I ended up approaching the project in a way that even surprised them. Feeling trusted made all the difference.

Taking extra time to review work before submission often prevents mistakes and builds credibility. As a professional book translator, I know the cost of overconfidence or rushing through tasks. I simply can’t afford it.

Every time I fall into the trap of thinking, “I can do this quickly,” I end up paying the price—revisiting the text, unpaid, to fix what I missed or misunderstood.

Think of each task as a mini project: it reflects your performance, your values, and your attitude. Why sabotage yourself by rushing, when focused attention on what you’ve committed to brings better results—and satisfaction?

All in all, patience is not about waiting—it’s about moving wisely while you wait. In the workplace, it’s a skill that strengthens your judgment, relationships, and resilience. The next time you feel the urge to rush, ask yourself: Could patience give me the edge here?

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Illustration by Drawchicken Studio on Unsplash