Without Discernment, Leaders Fail

We learn, then we digest that learning; finally we discern the appropriate application of the learning.– Hugh Ballou

Leading is Applied Wisdom

I’ve just finished presenting to people this week in 5 separate groups. Some of the presentations were keynotes. Some of them were workshops or lessons. The common thread was leaders wanting to gain wisdom. Some were leading from middle management and others were CEOs. Many were early stage or startup enterprise ventures.

I commend people for wanting to gain knowledge. Knowledge precedes understanding which precedes wisdom. Wisdom is gained over time with experience. Failure is a learning opportunity only if the failure is unpacked, understood, and crystallized into applicable thinking.

All too often, visionaries attempt to start up a company or charity without the necessary experience or mentorship. All too often, the visionary is not a leader and invites failure without gaining the wisdom for true discernment.

There are many right answers, however, finding the next right answer for a particular situation is elusive when we are attempting to make decisions in a vacuum.

Inventors, authors, coaches, brilliant thought leaders have the ability to change lives and create better communities. Those skills are not the same skills needed for launching and sustaining a healthy, profitable enterprise.

John Maxwell says that collaboration is multiplication. I say that collaborations are discernment where wisdom is multiplied.