The only disadvantage of becoming wise is getting to realize how foolish you have been! Do you practically understand the season for going forth and the one for being still? Can you practically tell when to come and when to go? Do you practically differentiate between the time to talk and when to be silent? These are leadership questions – questions about wisdom – and the overuse of the word “practically” is intended. Knowledge, wisdom and understanding are keys to successful leadership at any level anywhere.
“Whereas knowledge comes from learning, wisdom comes from living, and understanding comes from living a life of continuous learning.” – Samuel A. Bakutana
Many years ago, I read “How to Grow Leaders” – a book by Prof. John Adair – the first professor of leadership in the world. He taught me the word “phronesis” an ancient Greek word for “a type of wisdom or intelligence… relevant to practical action, implying both good judgement and excellence of character and habits, or practical virtue”. It is one thing to declare yourself wise but it is another for you to practically live as a wise leader in the way you behave, talk, manage resources, relate with people, or generally conduct yourself.
This is why Ron Edmond’s 2018 article “7 Characteristics of a Wise Leader” captured my attention. He says that wisdom is critical to good leadership and is developed from personal experience of success and failure and from the insight of other leaders. Confessing that he has known few in leadership whom he would consider truly wise leaders, he says they learn from others, making them being looked to as a trusted resource with people seeking their input. He says, “Their experience and who they are as people makes them seen as investors in new generations of leaders.”
Below, I share the 7 characteristics he has observed in leaders who have wisdom:
- TIMING: They have mastered the art of timing: “The wise leader knows time is a precious commodity. They use sound judgement in decision-making… They know organizations and individuals have seasons.”
- CHARACTER: They have deep, trusted character: “The wise leader places a high value on integrity. They know ultimately everything rises and falls on the moral fiber of an individual… Reputation is hard-earned and should be treated as gold.”
- VISION: They lead with a clear vision: “The wise leader understands the value of a big picture… They continually motivate others by sharing the ‘Why’… they are keenly aware of… the end… They know momentum lost is hard to regain. They continually seek change, which will spur energy around the vision – for the good of all those around them.”
- RISK: They take initiatives; even when hard: “The wise leader is risk-taking and intentionally encourages innovation… They know… the cost of lost opportunity. They want to engage others by keeping things moving, people dreaming and the culture exciting; even when the risks are bigger than others can embrace immediately. They are willing to take the lead.”
- PERSISTENCE: They continually display diligence: “The wise leader continues in spite of adversity… through the hard days… reaching a goal is worth the struggles to get there… They display strength under duress. People look to them for stability.”
- PLANNING: They are strategic-thinkers: “The wise leader realizes no dream becomes reality without proper planning. They make sure plans are in place and people know what’s expected of them. They utilize healthy systems and structures. They aren’t burdensome with rules, but they are helpful in thinking through a process to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization. They surround themselves with people who can move things forward and work hard for progress. They know with the right vision, people and plans, anything is possible.”
- LOVE: They genuinely love people: “The wise leader knows people are the key to any organizational or team success and they work to empower others. Others know they are valued and appreciated under their leadership. They are true delegators. They invest in and develop the next generation. They look past the income statement and see the balance sheet — with people being the organization’s greatest asset. And, it’s not phony admiration. Time and experience has allowed them to see that without people nothing happens – and nothing of real value is attained. Other people matter.
Will you yearn to be a wise leader? In this time and age, we cannot continue to be happy with foolishness – whether consciously or not. Each one of us needs to seek more wisdom – phronesis – to be able to lead effectively.
Let us end with a spiritual perspective to this topic: It is not surprising that even King Solomon of Israel was quick to pray as follows: “Give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:9).
- His reason for asking for wisdom was so that he can handle people rightly in his role as a national leader.
- Think about this: God granted it. So in essence, God also knows that without wisdom, a leader turns into a dealer.
- Wisdom is the principal thing: “Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight” ( 4:7).
- Whoever wants wisdom can ask for it (James 1:5).
- Reverence for the Creator is the cradle of this wisdom (Prov. 1:7).
- The 200 sons of Issachar were called “wise leaders” (1Chronicles 12:32) and the greatest trait spoken about them is that they “had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do”.
- Knowledge, wisdom and understanding are keys to successful leadership at any level anywhere… and the seven aspects highlighted above can be a good starting point to exercise these treasures.
Pray for me as I pray for you that history will judge us as wise leaders in our generation. The option is not a good one at all!
Samuel A. Bakutana is an HR and Leadership Consultant, Certified Executive Leadership Coach, Inspirational Speaker and Author of 15 books. He gives hundreds of inspiring presentations every year. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter Skillpages, and LinkedIn. To book him for your next event, send an email now to deltacu11@gmail.com or call WhatsApp number +256782163416.
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