The pursuit of understanding and applying wisdom.

There’s a difference between personal wisdom that shapes our lives as individuals in the solitude of our minds and the collaboration of wisdom that can be established within a group setting. Each carries a unique journey toward growth and application, but how can we learn from both?

Individual Wisdom for Personal Growth

Personal wisdom is a combination of our experiences, acquired knowledge, successes and failures, and reflections along the way. That being said, there’s often an internal compass that guides our decisions, influences our interactions, and shapes our understanding of the world we live in.

There is an element of this discussion related to finding Christ and experiencing the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, which often brings about an element of wisdom in the individual. Furthermore, there are principles found in Scripture that are worth considering as an overall way of living for all people.

For example, growing in personal wisdom is somewhat of a deliberate process, opening one’s heart and having a reflective mind. Consider this piece of Biblical wisdom:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

Proverbs 9:10

This verse highlights the importance of humility and reverence to God in the quest for wisdom; knowing and accepting one’s place as a created human being. This Proverb suggests that personal growth in wisdom starts with acknowledging our limitations and seeking guidance beyond and above ourselves.

Collective Insights for Better Solutions

Now, let’s take a look at group wisdom when individuals bring their unique perspectives and experiences into a collaborative setting. This is a convergence of personal wisdom for a greater purpose. This process often leads to more robust, innovative solutions, past what an individual alone might achieve.

There’s power in group wisdom through storytelling, and unpacking case studies on how collaborative efforts in leadership; from the lower levels of service to the top levels of authority structures. Here are some practical ways to harness group wisdom:

• Encourage open dialogue.
  Foster an environment of respect and empathy.
• Actively seek diverse perspectives.

Granted, it’s not always easy with diverse personality types and varying levels of expertise. A leader should be aware of the person who’s not speaking, but clearly paying attention. They should go out of their way to gain their thoughts and insights. Just because they’re not dominating the discussion, doesn’t mean they’re not invested.

Collaborative Wisdom and the Holy Spirit

Let’s add to this wisdom-acquiring process a Christian worldview and the Holy Spirit’s leading. The potential for growth increases tenfold. Consider the Book of Acts, where massive change and growth are taking place as the Church is growing daily.

In chapter 15, we see evidence of collective discernment among the Apostles as a variety of demographics collide. Some cry out that the new believers follow all the laws and traditions, while the new believers have come to Christ from pagan backgrounds.

The Church has become a melting pot, and the Apostles must find a common ground that is still Christ-centred.

28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” 30 So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.

Acts 15:28-31 (ESV)

This passage illustrates how collaboration among godly leaders who are listening to the Spirit’s leading, can balance tradition with the need for adaptation. Guided by a higher calling, they’re able to chart a path forward.

Maximizing Wisdom for Higher Gains

To maximize the wisdom within a group, it’s crucial to implement structures that allow for equal participation. Techniques such as brainstorming sessions, targeted surveys, and feedback opportunities, can facilitate the pooling of individual wisdom toward new ideas and solutions.

By valuing each member’s contribution and actively working to funnel them together, groups can achieve a higher level of wisdom and understanding that surpasses the sum of its parts. As leaders, we need to try our best to nurture individual wisdom through reflection and humility, while leveraging group wisdom through inclusive and respectful collaboration.