NYPL LionPatience and Fortitude are recognized around the world as the symbols of the New York Public Library.  For over 100 years, these two marble lion statues have flanked the entrance to the main library (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building) at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan. While they had several other informal nicknames in the early 1900s, it wasn’t until the 1930s that “Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia named them Patience and Fortitude, for the qualities he felt New Yorkers would need to survive the economic depression. These names have stood the test of time: Patience still guards the south side of the Library’s steps and Fortitude sits unwaveringly to the north.”1

 

Just as Patience and Fortitude invite you to participate in history prior to entering the library, Agents in Engagement must put themselves in the employee engagement mindset before they enter the workplace. As an ongoing work in progress, employee engagement develops over time. Patience and fortitude are qualities that everyone needs in order to develop and reach their full potential. “Patience [is] an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay.” 2 Fortitude, also known as persistence, denotes “mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously.” 3 One excellent (and free) way people can do this is through reading.

 

Books are an important part of the self-development process because they offer new concepts and ideas that can be incorporated into daily interactions and activities. Companies are in a constant state of change which requires employees to stay up-to-date with their skills and to seek out ways to improve their interpersonal relationships. Take advantage of your local library: it is a valuable resource that is often under-utilized in most communities.

 

I have the good fortune to walk by the Patience and Fortitude (the marble statues) frequently. Each week, I continue to rely on the library for easy access to an infinite number of interesting, enlightening, and sometimes entertaining books. I also get the opportunity to practice “patience” when I have to wait for a book to become available. That simply validates that I’m in alignment with what other people find interesting. “Fortitude” helps me to continually identify self-development opportunities as I strive to become a better employee and manager. Together, patience and fortitude are the beacons guarding the path to knowledge and success.

 

How do you practice patience and fortitude? What books can you recommend to other Agents In Engagement?

 

1 New York Public Library. “The Library Lions.” NYPL.org. Web. 8 Dec 2013.
2 Dictionary.com. “Patience.” Dictionary.com. Web. 8 Dec 2013.
3Dictionary.com. “Fortitude.” Dictionary.com. Web. 8 Dec 2013.
“Photo courtesy of Frank Kovalchek/ www.flickr.com”

 

 

P.S. – First time here? Welcome to the Agent In Engagement site. Thanks for taking the time to stop by!  I hope you’ll explore the rest of the site. Let me know what employee engagement topics interest you.
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Let’s Get Engaged!

I’m Agent in Engagement Simpson…Greg Simpson.

My mission? To help companies succeed by focusing on how they engage, manage, and develop their employees.

My credentials? Award winning engagement work with Fortune 150 companies.

My next assignment? To come in from the field, the consulting field, and return to headquarters. There I’ll lead the ongoing battle against the greatest nemesis in every company – employee disengagement.

I’m excited about this opportunity to connect with fellow “Agents.” Subscribe to the RSS Feed to receive the latest updates and/or register if you would like to comment on posts.

You can follow me @agtinengagement, email me at g…@a…t.com or learn more about me at www.gregoryfsimpson.com.