What is wisdom, why must it be exercised, and why is it important to possess?

Beginning with the end in mind, why is wisdom important? While the way to gain greater wisdom is somewhat mysterious, possessing greater wisdom enables better decision making, better actions, and better outcomes. This suggests that more wisdom is better than less wisdom.

So, what is wisdom, then?

Wisdom is a blend of the following four attributes:

Notice again that three are attributes of the emotional brain (Limbic) and only one is an attribute of the rational brain (Neocortex). In previous posts the role of the limbic brain was presented as being responsible for 75% of our behaviors and actions, 75% of what creates connections with others, along with 75% of what leads to greater trust. This suggests that wisdom is 75% EQ and only 25% IQ.

Wisdom is not something that we are born with, but something that we acquire and refine over time through experience. I believe that is why Abraham Lincoln came to the conclusion that if you want to increase the rate of success you must increase the rate of failure. Each time we attempt an endeavor we gain knowledge [learn something], while expanding and refining our insight, judgement, and belief.

I believe that the thing we call our ‘gut feeling’ is closely related to wisdom and that the exercising of wisdom comes down to how much we listen to and trust our gut feel. I also believe that vulnerability and humility are key elements in determining whether our experiences develop greater wisdom. The more vulnerable and humble we are the more  willing we are to head correction and turn negative feedback into greater insight.

Exercising wisdom suggests that a leader uses acquired knowledge (IQ), while trusting their gut (EQ), along with removing their own selfish motives through humility, and avoiding the lure of ego by maintaining an attitude of transparency, which is only possible when allowing oneself to be vulnerable.

Herb Mast is Leadership Coach and Employee Engagement Specialist. Learn how he can assist you in implementing the principles and concepts presented here.