Ep. 58 Thought Leadership: Self-awareness and Wisdom.

In this episode, I will respond to the survey I conducted this week on Thought Leadership, self-awareness, leadership, wisdom, and self-realization.

A couple of meetings this week inspired me to write this episode. While discussing my point of view on current business and technological trends, the other party’s behavior reminded me of the importance of being open to identifying opportunities for personal growth.

Let’s dive in!

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away (got it?), while I was being educated to become a certified IBM Project Manager Executive, I had the opportunity to meet an extraordinary professional: the IBM Executive who?supported NASA Apollo Missions.

GG’s (his initials) training style was a mix of formal classes and brainstorming sessions.

In one of those training sessions, I asked him how a Subject Matter Expert can realize if they are progressing in their skills.

GG told me a story I will never forget: Jose, the path to wisdom consists of four stages, from being unaware that you don’t know to become a master who does things without even thinking.

The Four Stages of Wisdom: Becoming a Thought Leader

Stage I: Not being aware that you don’t know.

Many times, people see something and wrongly conclude about it. For example, imagine you are a pedestrian on a street full of cars. As you have never driven before, you conclude that driving should be easy.

Stage II: Becoming aware that you don’t know.

Eventually, you decide to learn how to drive a car and go to a driving school to learn the basics. Your instructor selects a vehicle with a manual gearbox (shift stick?) parked on sloped terrain and asks you to start driving by playing with the clutch, the brake, and the gas pedal.

Total failure. Instantly, you realize you had a misconception and that driving requires work.

Stage III: Becoming aware that you know.

Practice makes the master, right? By practicing, you learn skills, and even though you are not a Formula 1 speed racer, people can rely on your skills.

Stage IV: Not becoming aware that you know.

Eventually, you face an emergency like this: while driving in the countryside, a farmer with a cow suddenly appears in the middle of the road. You reduce speed, press the horn, lower your windows, yell profanities at the farmer (ha! ), and avoid the collision.

You acted this way based on your skills, experience, and wisdom. "You become a master by facing and dealing with challenging situations proficiently.”

What is a Trusted Advisor?

What is Thought Leadership about?

I asked him, “What is the most important stage in this roadmap?”

“Easy, my friend,” he replied. “The most important moment?is the change from stage 1 to stage 2. Once you realize you have a misconception about a piece of knowledge, a world of learning possibilities opens up for you to experience.” Your Thought Leadership journey starts.

“OK, Jose, I got you. Any piece of advice for assisting myself or helping others?”

Yes, a couple of lessons learned are worth sharing.

Lessons Learned on the Four Stages of Wisdom:

Every Journey starts with a Question

Be open to asking yourself what you are trying to accomplish and whether your information is relevant.

Use Facts and Opinions wisely

People often accept opinions as facts, creating a false understanding of events. Misunderstandings, miscommunications, myths, fake news, or lies, among other terms, may present opinions as facts.

Please be careful when you collect information and classify it as facts or opinions.

Both are worthy but analyze and make decisions based on facts while communicating to audiences based on opinions.

Being Humble in presenting your view always pays

By presenting your fact as an opinion and allowing others to reclassify it, you get two benefits: (1) reducing the audience’s rejection to evaluate and accept a challenging idea and (2) opening an opportunity to receive feedback for personal growth.

Be aware that your knowledge may become obsolete

It’s important to note that there is also a path from Stage 4 (Mastery) to Stage 1 (Apprenticeship). As technology, social norms, and business paradigms continue to evolve, new challenges and opportunities exist to explore. Asking, “Is there a better way to do this?” can lead to innovative solutions.

Many organizations were faced with this question during the “New Normal” brought on by the pandemic. They had to adapt and find new processes and technologies to support customers in confinement.

This experience highlights the importance of being open to learning and growth, regardless of where we are in our Journey.

Thank you for the clarification, Jose. Do you have any last comments?

In the survey, we asked you to let us know how often you move from step 1 to step 2 weekly, as indicated by the red arrow on the Thought Leadership table above.

We appreciate those of you who participated and shared your thoughts with us. For those of you who read the survey and responded in your minds or DM me, thank you as well.

Every time you realize a change in your knowledge and value systems, it presents a beautiful opportunity for growth.

We would love to hear your personal stories about this vital topic. Please share your feedback via DM or in the comments section below.

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