Leading Wisely. Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries

Leading Wisely - Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries


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have a set of values that define them.

      It is quite disturbing that in these very turbulent times, when enlightened leadership is needed more than ever, a country's citizens – confused and excited as they may be – are more likely to respond to the siren calls of these demagogue-like leaders while refusing to listen to the voice of wisdom. The results are there for all to see. Unfortunately, as has been said all too often, hundreds of wise men cannot make the world a heaven, but one idiot is enough to turn it into a hell. The philosopher Bertrand Russell put it quite astutely: ‘The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.’

      In our present-day world characterized by a pandemic, global warming, nuclear threats, terrorism and dramatic income inequalities, we need more than ever leaders who are interested in promoting knowledge and wisdom, not ignorance. We need leaders who transcend people's wish to believe. I am referring to the kind of people who are reality driven, who have a solid grasp of what is possible and are interested in doing things for the common good. It is exactly this kind of leadership that will prevent us from entering doomsday scenarios.

      Notwithstanding the many threats that we are facing in this day-and-age, far too many people still do not realize the importance of wisdom for the advancement of humanity. They do not realize that time is running out if we want to save our planet. It is here exactly where wise leaders can make a difference. When leaders possess a degree of wisdom, their actions can contribute to real transformation, a process that is not merely a redecoration of the past but a transformation of humanity that embodies the eternally new.

      As I have mentioned before, this book should be seen within the context of my discussions with my students about what lessons of life have been important to them in running their organizations. I kept on asking them, as a leader, what would they do to be more effective? What could they do to contribute to creating a better world? What words of wisdom had stuck with them?

      In distilling the essence of these discussions, for reasons of simplicity, I have decided to limit myself to eight lessons that pertain to wisdom in the context of leadership and other life challenges. I am quite cognizant of the fact that I could have included more lessons on wisdom, but many of the additional lessons are intertwined within the others. Wisdom, in the end, is a kind of enigma and we need to recognize that from the start. To that end, I have added three chapters upfront where I present some of my more general reflections pertaining to the wisdom equation.

      Furthermore, to clarify even more what I want to say, I have included many short stories and anecdotes originating from China, Japan, the Middle East and Europe. The main protagonists in these stories are the Buddha, Zen masters, Aesop (a storyteller believed to have lived in ancient Greece) and mullah Nasrudin (a wise man born in present-day Turkey). Also, included are anecdotes from the Old Testament, the brothers Grimm and a few more contemporary tales. In addition, in each chapter I have added a number of questions to help the reader further explore the various themes that are being discussed.

      A professor stood before his philosophy class to begin his lecture. To start his class – without saying a word – he picked up a very large and empty bowl and proceeded to fill it up with large pebbles. Having done so, he asked the students if the bowl was full. All of them agreed that it was the case. Giving his students a big smile, their professor then picked up a bag of sand, to put them in the bowl. Quite easily, the sand found space between the pebbles. Again, the professor asked the students if the bowl was full. Once more, all of them thought that the bowl would now be completely full.

      Subsequently, the professor took out a jar of water, to also pour it into the bowl. Without difficulties, the water found space between the pebbles and the sand. Sounding like a broken record, the professor asked once again if the bowl was full. Somewhat surprised, the students responded affirmatively.

      ‘The water is everything else – the smaller stuff. If you put the water into the bowl first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the sand or the pebbles. The same can be said about your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the smaller stuff, you will never have room for the things that are really important to you. It doesn't show wisdom. Thus, always pay attention to the things that make a difference; the things that make you feel alive. Consequently, have a good relationship with your partner. Enjoy the time of playing with your children. Try to maintain good relationships with your friends. Don't forget to take care of your health. Furthermore, pursue your desire to create a better society. There will always be time to take care of the smaller things. Make the pebbles your first priority – those are the things that really matter. Keep on reminding yourself that the sand and the water are of much less importance.’

      Knowledge is learning something new every day. Wisdom is letting go of something every day.

      —Zen proverb

      The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.

      —William Shakespeare

       According to Plato, the renowned Greek philosopher Socrates went to this temple of Apollo in ancient Thebes and asked the Pythia, the Oracle, ‘Who is the wisest person in Athens.’ The oracle replied, ‘It is you.’

       ‘That is impossible,’ said Socrates, ‘because I am aware that I know nothing.’

       ‘That,’ said the Oracle, ‘is exactly why you are the wisest person in Athens.’


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