Wisdom vs Intelligence

Wisdom and intelligence are knowledge that is different in the methods of acquisition and the possible impacts they may have on leaders. Wisdom is a type of knowledge involving social and interpersonal aspects which intelligence is of a non-social type of knowledge. Wisdom and intelligence, which makes a better leader?

Firstly, wisdom is gained through continuous learning process whereas intelligence is knowledge that one is born with. Highly intelligence child is called “gifted” child. He usually performs better than others in early stages of the learning process. Gradually, he may lack of the drive to learn and the hunger for more knowledge and skills. As this intelligent child grows up and becomes leader, he has an inability to educate his followers with the knowledge he has gained. On the other hand, leader who has wisdom will actively search for more knowledge, more wisdom. He tends to constantly feed his people with new skills he has recently picked up. Thus, wisdom, rather than intelligence makes a leader a better motivator because he is continuously encouraging his people to move forward in learning process.

Secondly, wisdom makes a leader analyses information based on concrete facts while intelligence makes use of emotional feelings. Intelligent leader tends to ‘go with the feelings’ in decision makings. With the knowledge he is born with, intuitive feelings seem to lead him to good decisions during his childhood. His lack of personal experiences in adulthood results in his inability to convince his followers of his actions and decisions. However, leader who constantly seeks for wisdom is one who has gone through the ups and downs in his learning experiences. This leader is capable in differentiating the good from the bad. Thus, wisdom leader leads his people to a better tomorrow but intelligent leader gives uncertain future.

In addition, leader with wisdom makes quality decisions under pressure whereas leader with intelligence only get panicky in crises. Due to the lack of life experiences in encountering crises, intelligence-only leader is more likely to be anxious and frightened facing difficult situations. Instead of striving to come up with practical solutions, he is unable to calm his mind and control his fear. This is usually the situation when leader not only make bad decisions, but also incur more fear in his people. Unlike intelligence-only leader, a wisdom leader who has gone through the emotional-training stage is calmer and is better in handling chaotic situations. His continuous learning exposes his to more adversities in each stage of life. This encounter serves as training for his mental and emotional to be well controlled and regulated and hence able to weigh the options before making any decisions. In short, wisdom leader is able to give directions to his followers at all times while intelligent leader is more likely to worsen the situation in a crisis.

Wisdom and intelligence have different methods of acquisition. Therefore, they result in an impact that affects every human being in the world, especially the leaders. One with intelligence can be a leader, but one with wisdom will be a great leader.