There is a Difference Between Knowledge and Wisdom? Why it Matters to You as a Leader.
The old saying goes ‘knowledge is power.’ There is some truth to that. But not all knowledge is created equal. We live in a world full of information readily available. Those that succeed understand how to gather, refine, and translate knowledge into action. Action leads to learning and experiences, and that is where wisdom is gained and honed for future use and the ability to accelerate forward for a fast-paced, ever-changing world. Let’s take a look at the difference between knowledge and wisdom and how it can make a positive impact on your leadership skills.
What is knowledge?
Knowledge comes from gaining information, facts, and data. The act of gathering knowledge starts at an early age and can continue indefinitely. It can come from an endless number of sources - information is flowing at us from all directions in today’s world. I would argue that there is the risk of trying to capture too much knowledge today and not enough effort given to narrowing down how, when, and where we get our information. Leaders listen to obtain knowledge. That allows them to refine the knowledge that is being provided. Listening to your team, those that work for them, or the people they serve can be the best data sources available when looking for condensed, specific information that leads to action.
It is not about how much you know; it is what you do with that knowledge that matters most.
Wisdom is Knowledge in Action
Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but wisdom requires knowledge. Wisdom is knowing how to use information for the right reasons at the right time. Wisdom comes from experience. Past failures lead to enlightenment when leaders take time to learn from the mistakes that have occurred.Leaders also have the wisdom to know they need to listen to learn. Knowing everything is not the most crucial part of leadership. It is having the wisdom to know when you need to learn from your experiences. Then knowing how to share and apply what you learned to other situations in the present and future.Wisdom also includes the ability to apply critical thinking skills to the available knowledge. Can you discern whether the information is accurate, relevant to your situation, meaningful to how you intend to you use what you have gathered? Your previous experience combined with knowledge you already have will help you understand and apply any new learnings.I came across an excellent excerpt from the article, The Difference Between Knowledge and Wisdom by Jason Gutierez
Here’s the thing — knowledge is easy. Wisdom takes effort, trial, error, pain, blood, sweat, and tears. That’s why there are so few people in this world who are truly wise. It’s a lifelong practice.
Gaining wisdom is more complicated. It requires taking action with the information you gather. However, wisdom serves everyone best when it is shared with others.
Leaders share
Both knowledge and wisdom can be shared - the best leaders provide the wisdom to accompany the knowledge they provide. Spouting off facts or pieces of information may be interesting, but sharing what the possibilities are with that information creates meaningful action.Taking knowledge and then placing that information into use will create wisdom that can be passed along to others. It is a perfect example of how anyone can be a leader. We all have access to a lot of information. But when we do something with that information to get a result, any result, and then share with others what that outcome was is a demonstration of leadership.We are inundated with information today. It is a constant stream in almost any direction we look - television, online, on our phones, and through daily personal interactions. There is no shortage of information. However, wisdom can sometimes be in much shorter supply. It is what we do with the vast amount of information we have that will define who we are as a leader. Capture, filter, share the most important pieces of knowledge you have in ways that lead to innovation and transformation, and you will make a difference to those around you.What are you doing to translate knowledge into wisdom for yourself and those you lead?Join other retail leaders in continuing their development journey with Effective Retail Leader.com. SUBSCRIBE today to receive FREE leadership tips directly to your inbox and monthly newsletters that provide many tools to help further develop your leadership skills all at no cost. JOIN NOW!No spam ever - just leadership goodness.