Wisdom—do you have to be old to have it?

But to answer the question posed in the title right off the bat…no, wisdom isn’t necessarily linked to age and life experience! This insight could be important, because when you look at the job requirements for leaders, the impression increasingly arises that leaders should already possess a fair amount of wisdom at a young age. That’s why here’s a brief guide to the path toward (more) wisdom.

Judith Glück has identified five principles in her research that are particularly common among wise people. Five principles… Sounds doable at first. However, when you delve deeper into them, it quickly becomes clear that lifelong learning is not just a nice resolution, but genuine personal development. So how about…

Principle 1 – Openness

Openness means being open to new experiences and different ways of thinking, allowing yourself to be surprised and moved, and staying curious.

Principle 2 – Dealing with emotions effectively

Emotions are a complex topic. They often overwhelm us, and we struggle to interpret them appropriately for the situation. Wise people can do this. They do not ignore or suppress their feelings. They acknowledge them, assign them appropriate significance, and can still think appropriately even in emotional situations.

Principle 3 – Empathy

Empathy is a skill that helps us feel and understand that people everywhere are different. Different, but not good or bad, right or wrong, guilty or not guilty. Compassion helps us interact with others in a way that ensures our intentions are understood and accepted.

Principle 4 – Critical Reflection

Wise people reflect. They enjoy doing so more than others, and above all, they think more deeply and broadly. They know the world is complex and are skeptical of simple solutions.

Principle 5 – Overcoming the Illusion of Control

Wise people realistically assess their own capabilities and limitations. More than half of people believe they are above-average in intelligence. People generally believe that, on the whole, they are in control of their lives and underestimate how often luck and chance simply play a role. Wise people know how much can happen in life and maintain the confidence and trust that they will find a solution even for difficult situations.

Perhaps you feel the same way we do and also believe that this world—and possibly you personally, your team, or your organization—would benefit from more wise people. We’ll just go ahead and say…Wisdom pays off!

And if you’re ready—then get started. The five principles help in everyday life, but especially if you’re a leader, because then leadership is combined with strength.

References:

Glück, Judith (2016): The 5 Principles of a Successful Life. Kösel-Verlag