Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience level in challenging situations?
"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."
"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."
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.
"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."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous 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.
Rachelle's Feedback
It seems you are a keen listener and a thoughtful communicator who acknowledges all sides of a situation. These qualities are essential for an Academic Dean to possess. Great answer!
Anonymous 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).
Cindy's Feedback
Great. Explaining a technique that you will likely apply to future situations is helpful to an interviewer. Examples are also very helpful, so think about a time when you've applied the technique and improved your result.
Anonymous 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.
Stephanie's Feedback
Great; patience is such an important quality (but often a bit undervalued in workplace settings.) It's evident that you can handle challenging situations with patience and discipline.
Anonymous 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.
Chad's Feedback
It sounds like you understand the value of listening, and are respectful of all viewpoints in challenging situations. Acknowledging your impatience, but explaining your strategy to remain patient and professional in workplace situations is a nice touch. Great job!
Anonymous 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.
Chad's Feedback
Patience is a vital skill for an Academic Dean to possess, so acknowledging your lack of patience in your opening sentence could be a risky approach to this question. However, you do well to explain the ways you are working to improve your patience. Nice job! To strengthen this response, highlight a few of the key strategies you have found helpful, from your readings on emotional intelligence. If possible, include an example of a time when you've applied one of the techniques successfully in a workplace setting.
Unlock all 35 Academic Dean questions
Unlock expert responses to complex questions about institutional vision and academic governance.
Get Started