King Solomon, universally acknowledged as one of the world's wisest leaders, applied leadership principles that are as relevant and powerful today as they were in biblical times. This article examines the importance of leading with wisdom so team members have a clear and consistent example to emulate.
Lead With Wisdom
We are living today in a completely different world than the one we inhabited only a few years ago. It is a global world with rapid technological development and constant information flowing over us. It has been estimated that our overall knowledge doubles every two or three years. The technology exploding into new products reaches the market in an increasingly rapid pace. Environmental concerns are another point of focus.
There is a great need for leaders to lead with wisdom in order to build long-term success and higher values for companies,
organizations, and society at large. In a time marked by short-term objectives and rapid results, there is a demand for insight into the principle that what is worth striving for takes time and requires persistence to achieve, whether it is to create good family relationships, build a prosperous company, or promote a well-functioning society.
King Solomon, a leader synonymous with wisdom, says, "Wisdom is mightier than strength."
Never before in the history of mankind has access to wisdom been so important and urgent. Upon wisdom is built a very concrete approach to a better future, and a better quality of life. We have all the potential to become wiser leaders with a deeper connection to our values and ourselves so we can make better decisions contributing to greater value and a better world.
Solomon says, "Have two goals: wisdom-that is, knowing and doing right-and common sense. Don't let them slip away, for they fill you with living energy and are a feather in your cap. They keep you safe from defeat and disaster and from stumbling off the trail."
The word wisdom may sound old fashioned and out of date. In these modern times, the key words seem to be risk, speed, flexibility and being smart. One of Sweden's great philosophers, Alf Ahlberg said, "Our world is full of knowledge but lacks wisdom".
Wisdom is different from knowledge, experience and intelligence. Wisdom is how we use those qualities in an ethical and morally sound way. It's a deep insight into what's true, right and lasting; something that every human being has to value during a lifetime.
King Solomon encourages us to take charge of our actions by bringing them into line with wisdom and common sense. We let our decisions become more important than circumstances or desires for the moment. We become strong and filled with living energy as we choose to act in a wiser and longer perspective.
Solomon says: "Now give me wisdom and knowledge to properly guide this people."
It is written that when Solomon was crowned as Israel's king and leader, God appeared to him in a dream, offering that any particular gift would be granted to him. So, what did Solomon ask for? How much money do I get for that kind of a job? Or, is there a nice office? How is the benefit program, by the way? Not exactly.
Instead Solomon said: "Now give me wisdom and knowledge to properly guide this people."
When we ask for such things it's not about our self, it's about others; the people around us, the people that we lead. How can we contribute to their development? How can we guide so that we all move together towards the future?
When he asks for this, Solomon demonstrates that he is more of a servant leader. He is interested in how he, as a leader, can give instead of what he can get. He understands that when he guides his people so they will succeed, he succeeds.
Think about what would happen if more leaders saw themselves as servant leaders? Did Solomon lose anything in this? Hardly. When he asked for wisdom he got so much more. For wisdom gives as Solomon says, "A long, good life, riches, honor, pleasure, peace".
The message is that the individual who searches for wisdom will receive inspiration and reward in every aspect of living - which guides each seeker to a rich life, in the truest sense of the word.
Solomon says: "The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them."
Wise leaders are always open to new insights. They see every experience as a possibility to learn something new. They take time to read, observe, and learn. They understand that the more you know, the more there is to know. It is a continuous process that leads to maturity and personal growth.
Solomon says: "Determination to be wise is the first step toward becoming wise!"
We have all the potential to grow in wisdom and have a deeper connection with our values and ourselves so we will make wiser decisions contributing to a more fulfilling life and making the world a better place. It will take time, reflection, honesty and the willingness to constantly learn, and, most important of all, to make the decision to grow in wisdom.
To become a wiser leader:
- Make the decision to grow in wisdom and become a wise, secure and strong leader.
- Let your decisions become more important than circumstances or desires for the moment.
- Guide and support the people around you so they can succeed and you will succeed.
- Regularly take time off for thinking and for personal reflection, to get perspective on how you are living and leading, and to listen for inner guidance.
- Be a great learner. Always be open to learn something from e very person you meet and every experience you have.
- Seek out wise people, a coach or a mentor, who could help you grow as a leader. Ask for their advice on important questions for your business and personal life.
- Find time each day to learn, to study, and to grow. Read the best literature, from fiction and scientific periodicals, to books about management and personal development.
- Keep yourself updated about what's happening, both the global perspective and in your own field.
