Experiential insight is good IF I’m learning what I should. Unfortunately, it’s always cloudy for some who never seem to get it!
The Precept Explained
Obviously, experiences impact my thinking.
That is, I should learn from experiences. Then, I should use those insights as part of my reasoning.
Additionally, Proverbs 15.21, which is paraphrased above, states that insights from experience impact my behavior.
Consequently, the impact should be positive.
So, I respond appropriately to experiences. Then, I develop a just character so I behave wisely.
Divine Intervention
Arguably, for a person of faith, there’s a divine aspect to this.
As such, Proverbs 21.30 makes that point. First, I have insights from experiences. Second, I receive counsel from others.
However, insight plus counsel doesn’t outweigh sovereign choices for my life.
But, I do recognize my giftedness as a leader. Also, I use that giftedness to benefit the organization I lead.
As it turns out, a just life is good. And, experiential insight is also good. But, recognizing God’s sovereignty over life events and life outcomes is most crucial.
Don’t form insights that are ungodly! Proverbs 21.30 paraphrase
Leadership Insight
Learning from experience is a great tool for any leader.
But, only if the leader uses that learning to improve the quality and timeliness of their decisions.
Better yet, impactful leaders are continual learners who use experiences to modify their behavior. Hence, the importance of experiential insight.
It’s Always Cloudy for Some!
Well, how do you explain the glass-half-full coworker? Or, like I had, an entire department full of them!
They too have experiences.
Unfortunately, what they learn is that no good deed goes unpunished.
Also, they believe there’s always a conspiracy brewing!
Why are they like this? Because they never see the growth opportunity.
As such, they’re a drag on performance for the business unit. Again, why? Because protecting the status quo is priority one on the planet where they live.
Perception is reality. Unfortunately, that rule works for both positive and negative perceptions!
Top-down Pessimism!
Worse yet, for the case being referenced, department members reflected the poor attitude of their chair.
Fact is, that person was passed over for a promotion elsewhere.
Unfortunately, that person never addressed the gaps that could have improved their performance.
After the fact, I heard a report back on how that chair interviewed. As expected, the feedback was ugly!
Now, don’t be that leader!
Apply This Today!
Impactful leaders learn from experiences in a cycle of continuous improvement.
Moreover, that improvement in quality of thinking spills over into the behavior and outlook of the leader.
Thus, the leader knows what’s right, then does what’s right.
Thanks for visiting. Also, please contact me if you have comments: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com
And, I invite you to follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-young-38418110/
