In my world of executive coaching I see leaders strive to master many attributes and competencies. Among these are vision-casting, inspiration, creativity, collaboration, problem solving, decision quality, emotional intelligence, intellectual horsepower, command skills, strategic agility and on and on; but seldom is WISDOM among them. Wisdom is unique and rare. It’s the Holy Grail of leadership attributes, but it is seldom observed and mastered. Wisdom is rare because it is too hard to define, too elusive, too idealistic, or just too noble and therefore presumably unattainable. When you think of people who are widely viewed as having true wisdom we think primarily of enlighten historical figures in philosophy, religion, literature, politics, and academia, but not so much in the modern era, especially in business.
Today leaders are expected to have a strong Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and Emotional Quotient (EQ), but what about the elusive Wisdom Quotient (WQ)? Dr. Michael Bassous describes Wisdom Quotient (WQ) as “the ability to collect objective data, process it cognitively and emotionally, weigh the consequences intellectually and socially, choose the appropriate course of action, and manage the implications positively.” To even begin to display a strong WQ you must possess a high intellect that that enables the effective integration of IQ and EQ along with experience. With all that is required to demonstrate wisdom, I believe there other critical ingredients that are often absent which are the values based qualities of high moral and ethical character. Values have eroded so much that leaders often fail to discern challenges and decisions through the lens of simple right, wrong, integrity and truth. Perhaps the moral and ethical norms have decayed so much in our society that it clouds how leader’s view circumstances to make wise decisions. I believe that character, integrity, morality and the pursuit of truth are fundamental to true wisdom.
Wikipedia defines wisdom as “the ability to think and act using almost a simultaneous blend of knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight.” Wisdom is applied when optimal discernment blends with a keen sense of understanding reality. I buy that, but I also think there is more that defines a truly wise leader and why wisdom is so rarely observed. I believe that wisdom has a co-dependency with one’s’ character, and esteemed character seems to be less prevalent today than in the past. Wisdom represents what is true and just. Wisdom combines maturity with integrity and ethical judgement in pursuit of truth and sound discernment. Can one be truly wise and at the same time compromise sound judgement with ethical or moral inconsistencies? Can one be wise if he or she applies a situational application of ethics, integrity, and values-based judgement? Likely not, because the outcomes will be flawed where these values are missing. Inconsistent application of basic values such as good and bad and right and wrong leads to errors in judgement which is the absence of wisdom. Truly wise leaders do not make unforced errors by making bad decisions or affirmations that are void of applying good values.
Not all wise people are great leaders, but truly great leaders often consistently display wisdom along with other intellectual attributes. On the geo-political stage, we see a great void in wisdom. When you look at the global chaos, our dysfunctional national politics, and improprieties in business, you often see a huge void in values-based wisdom among many leaders. In reality it’s hard to be wise, especially on a consistent basis simply because we are flawed as human beings; therefore, we knowingly and unknowingly act or decide in ways that are inconsistent with wise discernment. King Solomon, who is viewed as very wise, wrote much of The Book of Proverbs which he attributed to “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young – let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” But even King Solomon had gaps in wisdom and conduct when he compromised higher values. Knowledge alone is not a safeguard of doing right or making proper decisions. Simply knowing what is right and wrong or good and bad does not produce wisdom, wrapping actions and decisions around positive values and integrity does.
So, what’s the bottom line? A leaders’ sense of integrity and character are the first critical building blocks of a wise leader. Many other skills and attributes also apply, but the one necessity to exercising wisdom is the virtuous nature of a leader. Achieving ultimate wisdom is almost like achieving perfection, although it may be highly elusive and seemingly out of reach, a great leader should strive for it regardless of the high bar. Our world and workplace need insightful wise leaders as much now as it ever has. With so many conditions affecting business these days such as globalization, international strife, national security, far right and far left politics, technology advances, ciber-security, and corporate security, we can’t afford to have unprincipled leaders making key decisions where core values are not at the center of those decisions. There is too much at stake to get it wrong by not doing what is right.
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
― Jalaluddin Rumi
“Don’t Gain The World & Lose Your Soul, Wisdom Is Better Than Silver Or Gold.”
― Bob Marley
“Honesty is the first chapter of the book wisdom.”
― Thomas Jefferson
Rex Rolf is an Executive Career, Leadership, and Performance Coach, and serves as President of Cornerstone Performance Group, LLC www.Go4Cornerstone.com
