Episode 276: "The Value of Wisdom and Encouragement in Life and Career!"

SELDI Podcast with Tony Williams

Greetings, Leaders.

Life and Career require decisions, and decisions require knowledge, Wisdom, and, at times, courage.

Are you wise, knowledgeable, and encouraging?

The dictionary defines Wisdom as "the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting." Conversely, knowledge is "information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance." Knowledge can exist without Wisdom, but not the other way around. I can be knowledgeable without being wise.

Great leaders focusing on creating value in the lives of those they serve embody each of these qualities.

I love quotes from great leaders because their lives testify to applying the principles they share in their life and career journey.

A great leader once shared this quote regarding Wisdom and its impact on leadership, life, and Career. "Getting Wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize Wisdom, it will make you great. Embrace it, and it will honor you."

I observed his leadership and impact for over twenty years!

"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."

"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest." Confucious

How can we acquire Wisdom, and what does it look like?

Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will open to you. Faith in asking is vital to receiving.

What does Wisdom look like in practice? It is said, "The Wisdom from above is, first of all, pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere."

I began practicing what I observed in the lives of great leaders and began to experience the benefits in my relationships, decisions, clients, and everyone I met on my journey.

Along with seeking and practicing Wisdom comes the opportunity to encourage others on their life and career journey, just as others inspired you. The more you encourage others, the more encouragement you receive.

Great leaders seek Wisdom and courage. Wisdom says, "I love them that love me, and those who seek me early will find me."

"You must have Wisdom. Without Wisdom, knowledge is useless. Wisdom is the power that enables us to make practical use of our knowledge." Thomas J. Watson, Sr., Founder of IBM.

Here are three steps to begin.

1. Start seeking and practicing Wisdom. At each decision, ask, "What is the wisest choice now?"
2. Consider, observe, and emulate the patterns of wise leaders. Take note of the outcomes and impact as you go on your life and career journey.
3. Become an encouraging voice in the lives of those you care for and serve.

"Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be."

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Victory!