Where Does The Wisdom Lie?

People have problems. The far majority of my day is responding to problems. To respond, I must discuss. Sometimes I am ready to discuss problems with just about anyone who will listen, but really my discussions are with employees, supervisors, service line directors, my staff, and when appropriate, the union.

We work through emotions and initial reactions. We look at what information we have and attempt to differentiate facts from conclusions. We consider past precedent.  We go to the attorneys for what ever black and white we can find. We debate the merits, the pros and the cons. We consider second thoughts, second opinions and second guessing. We consider mitigating circumstances.  Then, we consider what is right. Sometimes I bring us to this point, sometimes I am brought to this point, and sometimes we find us there not really knowing how we got there but bottom line is, we are there.

I have had a fair amount of discussions recently and at times, among other things I may I hear myself saying, "yes, when you consider that, it does make a difference."  "If this we me, I would expect the same consideration."  "I didn't have that distinction before, I can see your point." "I don't agree but I can support that direction."

The discussions always go a little differently. I had a discussion recently with one other person. We worked through a problem. All of the issues were brought on the table, opinions, concerns and emotions were aired and in the end we came to an understanding. Although the outcome may be very different than my initial recommendation, I can support it.

The problem itself, the issues raised and the discussion participant is not important at all. What is important, for me, was something I did not say. As the discussion was coming to a close, I had a thought.

I thought about wisdom. I wondered how this discussion and my responses/reactions to this particular problem would have been different if I had the information, insight and understanding I have now, then. Where does the wisdom lie? Is it about being all knowing? About being able to surmise another's motivation, perception, preferred course of action?

Or, is it simply about being willing to engage in the conversation?

Comments

[Bill Wallace]

Great post and thoughts, Lisa.

I was thinking the other day how I might be making a difference (or not) based on the advice and information I was providing.

Then the thought came to me that I don't always have to have the answer. In fact, it's probably better NOT to have the answer but to engage in discussion with those who will be affected. And I also need to be ready to change/modify my thoughts as new information comes to light.

But, I sometimes find that hard as it can then paint me as being "wrong". (Ego raises its ugly head)

So where does wisdom lie? Where ever it wants to I suppose. It's up to all of us to look for it and have those conversations. :)

Life is a dialogue!

[RMSJr]

Wisdom blends education and experiences with listening and learning, with your open mind and willingness to respectfully assimilate different perspectives.

It's not having the answers so much as it is having the questions.