The leader who seeks wisdom believes their vision is more than just a path to success; it is a calling, a moral imperative, and they must obtain the wisdom needed to insure its success.

For a vision to be successful it must be the single focus of the leader.  As the leader goes, so goes the team.  Any divided loyalty will divide the team.  Now there can and should be discussion on how to achieve the vision, that is how the best decisions are found.   But the vision itself must be non-negotiable.

How should the leader seek the wisdom needed for their vision?

First, acknowledge there is much for you to learn. Benjamin Franklin said, “The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance.”

Second, don’t assume what you already know is correct.  George Bernard Shaw recognized that we should, “Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”

Third, listen to the voice of those that have proven to be wise.  Diogenes taught the ancient Greeks that, “Wise kings…have wise counselors…”

Finally, learn from the mistakes of others.  Like Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”

The wisest leader acknowledges there is much to learn.