Surrounded by Wisdom
Proverbs 13:20 says, "Walk with the wise and become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." This wisdom applies not just to personal life but also to leadership. The people you surround yourself with—your team—profoundly impact your success and your organization's success.
As a leader, focusing solely on hiring skilled and experienced employees is tempting. However, surrounding yourself with those who mirror your strengths creates an echo chamber. Instead, seek out individuals who bring diverse perspectives and experiences - wisdom. Look for those with complementary skills, different approaches to problem-solving, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
Here's how surrounding yourself with "wise" employees benefits your leadership:
Enhanced Knowledge: A team with varied expertise allows you to tap into a wider pool of knowledge. You'll gain new insights and perspectives, leading to better decision-making.
Improved Innovation: Diversity of thought fosters creativity and innovation. When people with different backgrounds come together, they can generate fresh ideas and approaches.
Stronger Team Culture: A team that learns from each other thrives. Prioritizing continuous learning creates a culture of growth and development for everyone.
The opposite of wise is just as important. Just as Proverbs warns against companionship with fools, retaining employees who consistently make poor decisions or exhibit bad judgment can be detrimental. They not only do not add to the wisdom quotient for you and the organization, but they also have a detrimental effect.
Wasted Resources: Employees with a negative influence can reduce morale and productivity. Their actions can also lead to costly mistakes.
Toxic Culture: A team member who consistently makes bad choices can create a culture of negativity and irresponsibility.
Damaged Reputation: The actions of a few can reflect poorly on the entire team and organization.
Use “being wise” as an additional hiring criterion to benefit your organization and yourself as a leader and person. Surrounding yourself with wisdom will propel your effectiveness and that of your team. Walk with the wise to be wise.
Want to learn more about hiring wise employees? Check out our Behavioral Interview Guide