Wisdom, Discernment, Integrity and Why They Matter

How often do you hear the terms wisdom, discernment, and integrity used during the business day?

And just what are organizations looking for when they are hiring or promoting?

We hear words like intelligent, problem-solver, action-oriented, results-driven, and good decision-making ability.

But what good are any of those if they aren't carried out with wisdom, discernment, and integrity?

It's possible to be action-oriented and still take a lot of wrong actions.

Does intelligence guarantee sound leadership?  History reveals that many leaders with intelligence that was clearly "above average" have oppressed their people, ruined their economies, and even committed genocide.

What Are We Dealing With Here?

First, some slightly paraphrased definitions from Merriam-Webster Online.

Wisdom: ability to discern inner qualities and relationships : (insight) c : good sense : (judgment).

Discernment: the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent; the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure.

Integrity: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : (incorruptibility); the quality or state of being complete or undivided : (completeness).

Why Do They Make a Difference?

Let's start with integrity. It's probably the easiest to deal with and something that we do talk about on the job, at least when it is violated.

Integrity makes a difference because it's an outward indication of our internal character. If we say we have a set of "corporate" values and then live by them--even if it means sacrificing extra revenue--then we are known as having integrity. When we live up to our word, we have integrity. Most of all, integrity is what allows a person or a company to be trusted.

When you possess wisdom, you are able to make judgments that go beneath the surface issue or decision being presented. My observation and experience show that those possessing wisdom have actually learned from their previous experiences and mistakes; have confronted their own part in them; and now are able to see more clearly what is happening within other people and other situations. Maturity--not age alone--is necessary for wisdom.

Discernment is probably the least-used word in business. It implies a well-honed wisdom that allows one to accurately "read between the lines" when dealing with people and situations and see what is true. You and I know lots of people who say "I know how to 'read' people. However, I don't really know lots of people who discern the truth very well at all.

What Happens in The Absence of Those Three ?

When we hire and promote based upon education, experience, and behavioral traits, we're still working on the surface. To get "keepers" we need to dig one level deeper.

At a business luncheon meeting a few years ago our well-educated, high-level executive speaker spent his entire block of time talking about his accomplishments, what he was going to achieve in the coming year, and the plan to get there. When he asked for questions, the guy next to me said something gutsy. He said:

"I'm sorry. Who you are spoke so loudly that I wasn't able to hear what you had to say."

My neighbor had discerned the self-centered character of the presenter. The speaker had not discerned the values, maturity and character of his audience. As a result, his accomplishments couldn't overcome the low regard in which his peers began to hold him as a result of his bravado. It was a defining moment that impacted his career mobility.

When we're hiring and promoting, wouldn't it be worthwhile to know who we're getting--not just what we're getting?

It seems to me that we need to understand at least two things in order to make that happen:

1. What "kind of people" do we want? (What values do we hold that need to be evident in our people)?

2. What does it take to develop the wisdom and discernment needed in business?

Let's explore answers to those together on tomorrow's post.

In the meantime, have a look at George Ambler's piece on Leadership Career Killers at The Practice of Leadership.

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Comments

[Michael Wagner]

Steve - very good post.

In my grad Hebrew studies the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament was my favorite.

Wisdom, discernment and integrity are the foundation and worth more than silver and gold.

Keep creating,
Mike

[Steve Roesler]

Hello, Mike. Much appreciated.

As you know, this is a topic that could run for days. I'm actually struggling a bit to synthesize in a way that is understandable, practical and applicable.

[peter vajda]

For me, Steve, discernment is a judgment that incorporates a "knowing" that comes from an "inner" source of wisdom, not from one's "judgmental, comparative" mind, one's ego mind or so-called logical mind.

Being discerning, one might hire an individul even though it might not be a "logical" move. But, being discerning, it is the "right" move.

To develop widsom and discernment in business, as in life, for me, means to teach and support folks to understand how to access their inner guidance...their "gut", that intuitive part of themselves that does not emanate from the database of information we call a brain, but comes from a deeper place that is accessed through a state of quietude, silence, self-reflection, meditation and and contemplation, i.e., NOT through "thinking."

Folks who do Yoga, Tai Chi, meditate, and spend time being inside themselves, take time to be quiet, are often capable of being discerning, of accessing their wisdom, and coming from their inner values, espoused values...true and real integrity, honesty, open and honest communication, trust, etc.

Unfortunatly, what I'm talking about is not the quick-fix, microwave approach to accessing one'e True and Real self, but is a process that takes time, consciousness and a willingness to access and trust one's Real and True inner guidance....not a favorite task for folks caught up in living life at 90 miles and hour.

I'm loking forward to more on this topic and thanks!

[Steve Roesler]

Hello, Peter,

I am thankful--but not surprised--to read your comments using words such as "knowing," "inner," "True and Real," as well as the wise observation regarding time.

When I post later today, I do hope that you will comment and continue to add insight to the conversation.