Lead With Wisdom

We are living today in a global world with rapid technological development and constant information flowing all around us. It has been estimated that our overall knowledge doubles every two or three years. In the face of this, there is a greater need than ever for leaders who seek wisdom in order to lead with integrity and build long-term success and lasting value for companies, organizations, and society at large.

In an environment that emphasizes 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. This is true whether one seeks to create good family relationships, build a prosperous company, or promote a well-functioning society.

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.”

Wisdom is different from knowledge, experience or intelligence. Wisdom is how we use those qualities in an ethical and morally sound way. Wisdom provides a deep insight into what’s true, right and lasting; something that every human being will hopefully come to value during a lifetime.

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? Did he say: “How much money do I get for that kind of a job? Is there a nice office? How is the benefit program, by the way?” Not exactly. Instead Solomon asked for wisdom.

When we ask for wisdom it’s not about ourself, it’s about others; the people around us, the people we lead. How can we contribute to their development? How can we guide so that we all move together towards the future objectives we identify and, therefore, ALL reap the benefit?

When he asks for wisdom, 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.

When Solomon asked for wisdom he got so much more. For wisdom gives as Solomon says: “A long, good life, riches, honor, pleasure, peace“.

The message here 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.

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, the willingness to constantly learn, and, most important of all, 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.

Questions for your personal reflection:

1. What do you take with you as most important for your own development from the article?
2. What two concrete actions can you start doing this week to create more wisdom in your life and leadership?

Welcome to my blog,

In today’s fast moving, fast changing world there are countless opportunities to make a difference. More than ever there is a need for wise leaders to inspire us – to dream, to be involved, to contribute to greater value and help create a better world. Leaders with a deep conviction in the values that have a weight and validity beyond their own self and which gives life qualities and larger dimensions and a future worth fighting for.

What is so exciting is that we ALL in a fantastic way have the potential to be that kind of a leader. Every one of us can make a difference and ad value to every life we touch; in our families, at work and in everyday life.

On this blog I want to share my ideas and expertise with the aim to help you to be a stronger, wiser and more compassionate leader in whatever leadership situation you are in. I will start by sharing with you some thoughts on how we practically can apply the wisdom of King Solomon (973–933 BC), considered by many to be the wisest leader ever, as support to develop our personal leadership. Successful in the long run, is only the person who constantly is growing the awareness on how to develop the capacity to lead one self. It’s about taking leadership over our life, our priorities, our thoughts and our response in difficult situations. I will write one Key Leadership principle a week with some thoughts for every day during the week and then give you the opportunity to reflect on some important questions by yourself the following week.

This is the format I will use to inspire your learning, releasing your talent and potential. My hope is that you will come along with your thoughts along the way.

I wish you the best in your life and leadership,

Per Winblad