This is the first post in a two part series on “Leading with Wisdom,” so be looking for Part 2 next Monday.
Wisdom. So often I hear, “Wisdom comes with age.” While that may be true, wisdom actually comes from reflecting on life experiences at any age and gleaning insights into ourselves that change us from the inside out.
In his book The Intangibles of Leadership: The 10 Qualities of Superior Executive Performance, Richard A. Davis further defines wisdom as “acting in a different way based on conscious examination of previous experience” (p.2). He goes on to say, “To be wise you must have experience. You may be young or old, but you must have experienced a wide variety of life events that have changed you in some way”(p. 9).
Wisdom, above all, requires vulnerability–the willingness to look at our life experiences openly and honestly and allow them to shape us into our true selves.
Here’s an excerpt of one of my encounters with vulnerability…
Only recently have I begun the work of deepening my understanding of my whole experience. Ultimately, the work has resulted in a deeper understanding of myself. I realized I lost myself somewhere along the way. I lost my confidence, my passion, my drive. And, yet, I hid behind a dress, behind a smile, behind an image that said, “I’m fine, y’all.”
Now, I will have exactly none of that. The good that came out of this situation was the transformation in ME.
At every crossroad, I’ve had a choice…
- blame and be bitter or forgive and move on
- enjoy the present moment or live in fear of the future
- recognize there is a season for everything or live in the past
- admit my failures or wallow in shame
- And the list goes on…
I marvel when I look back over my past experiences–both the most exhilarating and the most exhausting–that no matter who was involved or what the circumstance all roads led back to me–to my journey of self-discovery and stepping into my true self.
And, it is that very “knowing” of ourselves that marks the beginning of leading with wisdom.
As you reflect on your life experiences (including the season you’re in right now), I encourage you to honestly answer the following questions posed by author, Beth McCord:
- How challenging is it for you to look at the condition of your heart?
- What response do you typically have when you recognize you are struggling?
- How would you like to respond when the struggles inside you are exposed?
If we are going to lead with wisdom, the path starts with the journey inward.
I would love to hear your takeaways. Please post in the comments below.
*Please note: As a Christ-follower, I believe that the journey to wisdom is not ultimately about “self-discovery” in and of itself but instead spiritual transformation. As David Brenner wrote in his book, The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery:
Spiritual transformation, not self-knowledge, is the goal of Christian spirituality. With God’s help we need to break through our illusions and see ourselves as we truly are in relation to God…Genuine self-knowledge is available to all who 1) genuinely desire it 2) are willing to prayerfully reflect on their experience and 3) have the courage to meet themselves and God in solitude. (p. 71)
Regardless of whether or not you are a Christ follower, the principles still apply to life and leadership, so I invite you to continue the journey.
