What can a Marshmallow Teach Us About Leadership?
🍡 The Sweet Reward of Patience and Self-Control
You have probably heard or seen this experiment play out online.
Parents have been posting their child’s “marshmallow” performance on Facebook for all the world to see, with much amusement.
The Marshmallow Test
🪑 Imagine you're a child, seated in a room with a single marshmallow in front of you.
You're given a choice: eat the marshmallow now or wait 15 minutes and receive a second one.
This seemingly simple experiment, known as the Marshmallow Test, offers profound insights into the power of delayed gratification and its impact on success.
But what can a marshmallow teach us about leadership?
Lessons from a humble marshmallow
🍡 Oh yes, who knew a marshmallow can teach us many lessons, the following are key:
Delayed Gratification: The Marshmallow Test teaches us about patience and self-control - resisting immediate temptations for greater rewards in the future. This skill allows leaders to make decisions that benefit the organization in the long run, even if it means enduring short-term discomfort or delay.
Resilience and Adaptability: It teaches us resilience—how to stay focused on goals despite setbacks or distractions. Leaders must adapt to changing circumstances while staying true to their strategic vision.
“Great investing requires a lot of Delayed Gratification” – Charlie Munger
Why do leaders keep failing the marshmallow test?
In today's fast-paced world, leaders often face a dilemma: how to balance immediate needs with long-term goals. Do leaders have the patience and foresight to wait for bigger rewards, even when there's pressure for quick wins?
When everyone's focused on 'gain now, pay later,' how do leaders hold off?
Are leaders caught up in the near-term frenzy of the organization?
How can leaders overcome the allure of immediate gratification
❇️ Develop a Compelling Vision and Set Clear Priorities: Establishing clear long-term goals and priorities that guides everyone on what truly matters.
❇️ Build a Support System: Surround yourself with advisors and mentors who advocate for long-term thinking and can provide the necessary perspective.
❇️ Educate Stakeholders: Communicate often with stakeholders about the benefits of delayed gratification and aligning their expectations with realistic timelines.
❇️ Practice Patience and Persistence: Recognize that achieving significant long-term goals often requires perseverance and patience.
Take-home message :
The pressures of today's world may tempt leaders to prioritize short-term gains.
The lessons of the Marshmallow Test remind us of the value of patience, persistence and a commitment to long-term success.
By embracing these principles, leaders can navigate challenges more effectively and build sustainable growth for their organizations and themselves.
About the Author:
Nick is passionate about enabling people and businesses to reach their full potential. He taps into over 25+ years of truly diverse leadership experience, challenging the status quo - to ultimately define a clear strategic path forward and propel success.
Thought Leader | Board member | Founder of Aktina Group Consulting | Proud Father