Coaching Wisdom in the Workplace: Coaching from an Integrative Model of Wisdom
Wisdom has long fascinated philosophers and theologians, hailed by many as the key to human flourishing and the pinnacle of human development. From this perspective its relevance to coaching seems indisputable, if somewhat aspirational. At the same time, we are facing some of the most demanding challenges humans have collectively faced. Leaders face ill-defined problems requiring an ability to embrace uncertainty, to engage in foresight, thinking both long-term and systemically towards the common good. In this high stakes context, accessing wiser reasoning ‘in time’ and developing wisdom ‘over time’ may be vital, for both client and coach. Whilst wisdom is often seen as beyond the reach of most people, there are times when we are all somewhat wiser than at other times. Drawing on the psychological research on wisdom, this chapter will present coaches with an integrative model of wisdom, outlining dynamic factors and interventions that influence its development and its expression. It asks readers to deeply consider what role coaching can play in developing wiser individuals, wiser organisations and workplaces.