Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience level in challenging situations?

Question

Krista Wenz · Accepted Answer

"Yes, I am extremely patient with other people. I tend to be impatient with myself if I am not finishing a project as fast as I think I should. But I am learning to be patient with myself as well. I find that breathing exercises and closing my eyes for a few seconds can help me regroup. I believe it is important to take the time to listen and understand others and be thoughtful and considerate in my actions. It can be challenging sometimes, but I always try to remain calm and focused, even in difficult situations."

Krista Wenz · Answer

The interviewer wants to know if you consider yourself a patient person, as this position requires dealing with various individuals, situations, and challenges that can be stressful and demanding. Being patient can help you handle these situations with grace and professionalism. When describing how you increase your patience level, you could mention how you practice mindfulness exercises, take deep breaths, and remind yourself of the positive impact you can make as a dean. Additionally, developing empathy and understanding towards others can also help you be more patient and understanding in difficult situations. More than anything, you want to assure the interviewer that you are a patient, level-headed individual.

Krista Wenz · Answer

"Yes, I consider myself a patient person. I would rate myself an 8 /10 for patience because I certainly have room to grow, but I have a very long fuse. If I need a boost of patience in a challenging situation, I will take a step away, count to 10 and then return to the situation. I recently read a book, 'The Power of Patience' by M.J. Ryan which also gave me some great new methods for coping with stress."

Krista Wenz · Answer

"As an experienced academic dean, I would say that I am a patient person. In my role, I have learned that patience is critical when working with students and faculty members. Whether dealing with a difficult situation or helping a student navigate a complex issue, I always try to remain calm and patient. I believe this approach helps me better understand the needs of those around me and fosters a more positive and productive environment. Ultimately, I believe that patience is one of the most important qualities that a leader in higher education can possess."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Yes, I believe I am a patient person. In challenging situations, I do a lot of listening to measure all participants' viewpoints. After listening, I acknowledge the concerns and possibly offer solutions or compromising plans."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Absolutely, you cannot work with students for over 20 years and not develop both empathy and patience. To increase my patience, I look for what is behind the tone in an email or conversation that is testing my patience and see what is driving that person's reaction. Often, I find myself wanting to respond quickly to things, and I've learned to provide space. Recently, a student sent an angry email about studio access. I noticed the time stamp at 2:03 am, and decided to let the email sit for 24 hours. Sure enough, the student emailed me after he slept, and had figured out the situation on his own (and sent an apology for the tone in the first email, which I appreciated)."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Yes, I do consider myself a very patient person. I have a long fuse, it's call discipline. In moments when challenging situations occur, I become more resolute and focus on making the right decision to ameliorate issues of concern."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Yes, I consider myself patient in challenging situations. I keep my cool and try to listen to viewpoints and try to come up with challenging situations. I admit I am sometimes impatient with the pace of change at a university, so I remind myself that it is better to wait to get buy-in from all involved parties, rather than to push through changes that may not have the desired end result."

Anonymous User · Answer

"No, not really but I am doing better and better. I read some books about emotional intelligence that are really helpful. For example, Dale Carnegie's How to win friends and influence people. Also, my wife is a very patient lady, our personalities are just opposite. In every argument, I found she is right in the end. She taught me how to become a patient person and how to handle things in a wise way."

Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience level in challenging situations?

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