Timeless Wisdom For Modern Leaders - 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 who lead with wisdom in order to build long-term success and lasting value 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.

The word wisdom may sound old fashioned and out of date.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 is a deep insight into what is true, right and lasting; something that every human being has to value during a lifetime. 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?

Instead Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge to properly guide his people. Solomon demonstrates that he is more of a servant leader with the interest in how he, as a leader, can give and serve. He understands that leadership is not about our self, it is 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?

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, 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.

By: Per Winblad

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Per Winblad is recognized as one of Sweden's leading management coaches and an experienced leader in achieving leadership excellence. He is the author of the leadership book The Wisdom of Leadership - Timeless Principles for Greater Purpose, Prosperity and Peace of mind, a best-selling book in Sweden that was rrecently released in the US. In this article Per Winblad reflects on the Wisdom of King Solomon for leaders in business and life. To get a free video, visit www.perwinblad.com