Living in Wisdom
Wisdom is one of the most elusive and challenging terms we use. It is often used within spiritual circles, but it is hard to define even when we begin to view it in biblical terms.
My dissertation considered wisdom in the Christian university and college president. It asked about their definition of wisdom and how presidents worked to share wisdom with others in the academic setting. But it was the definition of wisdom that prompted the most consideration and discussion. In many ways it is the same for us. We struggle to clearly define wisdom ourselves.
You see, wisdom is complex, complicated, and takes real work. One doesn’t simply stumble into wisdom. One has to work toward wisdom, seek it, grow into it, and even work towards it. So, with that in mind, here are the elements that defined wisdom. They are attributes that those who are wise exhibit.
Knowledge: The reality is if you going to be a wise person you have a certain level of knowledge. You are a life-long learner who works to gain knowledge both in formal and informal ways. You can speak to topics and issues because you know them well. You’ve spent time studying and learning. You recognize the value of knowledge.
Experience: If you’re like me, I appreciate those who have walked the path before me. Their experience breeds a level of wisdom that is difficult to replicate without that experience. The wise leader recognizes the value of new opportunities and experiences.
Community: We too often ignore the impact of the community. It is Dietrich Bonhoeffer who says, “Let him who cannot be alone beware of community. Let him who is not in community beware of being alone.” Wisdom is a team sport. One is not independently wise. Shared knowledge and experience have the ability to make one wiser and share wisdom at the same time. This is important for anyone who is a wise leader.
Critical Thinking: The ability to think critically is key to wisdom. This, at times, is a lost art. I’m always amazed at the number of people who will make statements, write things, or post who have not thought through their statement, writing or post. Thinking critically allows me to examine what is being said or stated, and consider that value and legitimacy.
Reflection: As I noted in a previous post, one of my favorite quotes is from Socrates, “Know thyself.” The ability to reflect, look inward and consider is important to wisdom. Those who make brash statements off the cuff, or simply speak their mind without considering the impact, demonstrate a lack of reflection. Those who live their life completely self-unaware risk their ability to live wisely and influence others.
Deliberation: Anyone who is wise has individuals with whom they deliberate. They have others who challenge their ideas, thoughts, views, and provide key insights as you think things through. This aspect builds on community, recognizing the role others have in moving us into wisdom.
Authenticity: This might be one of the most challenging aspects for Christian leaders. Authenticity admits struggles, challenges, failures, and uncertainty. Within the Christian faith and other parts of leadership we often praise and extoll those who appear to have it all together. We celebrate those whose lives are lived perfectly. They are the individuals who appear to have everything, perfect homes, marriages, kids, jobs, finances, etc. You do realize those people don’t exist. I’m sorry. Authenticity places value on being true to self and honest with others in the process.
Courage: This is one of the areas where real leadership separates itself. Those who are wise know when courage is required. The wise leader is willing to make the right decision in spite of the adversity and possible failure. They understand that choosing to act in the most difficult moments requires enormous courage, and they recognize that if they are not careful, they can become a bully (abusive) in the midst of trying to act courageously.
Collaboration: The wise leader has the ability to listen and work with others to their benefit and the benefit of the organization. Some leaders choose to act independently believing that as the leader they can force their will on others. This defeats the idea of collaboration and ultimately isolates the leader. There is no wisdom in isolation. Collaboration sees the possibility and best in others, believing that together they can make a difference.
Spiritual Formation: Many believe that true wisdom requires a spiritual component. The wise leader has a strong belief in a higher power that speaks, leads, and guides. This doesn’t mean that it has to be a Christian evangelical faith, but it does imply that some level of faith is needed.
Who do you know that is really wise? Who is the wise leader that you are willing to follow? I wonder how many of the above aspects or qualities they possess? When you begin to bring all of these qualities together, choosing the wise leader becomes very challenging. And I discovered in my study that the further one moves up the food chain of leadership the more challenging these qualities become. You may be able to live them out in the simplicity of life, but being collaborative when you believe you hold the right answers is difficult. Being courageous when others are abusive, destructive, or the organization is headed in the wrong direction is not easy. You see, wisdom takes work, thought, and maturity. That’s why few seem to possess it.
Should you want to know more about wisdom, what it looks like, or how it is gained. Please feel free to reach out. I’m not trying to imply that I’m wise. I’m simply saying that I have more books, articles, and documents on wisdom that most. I would be happy to share those with you. As always thanks for joining the journey. May you discover and grow in wisdom in the days ahead.
