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The workplace is a complicated environment. It’s a minefield of conflicting purposes, agendas, and personalities. Some employees just want to do their job (well), collect their paycheck, and get home on time. Others will ruthlessly try to claw their way up the corporate ladder, not caring who they hurt along the way. Some bosses pit employees against each other, believing (incorrectly) that competition is a great way to separate the wheat from the chaff. Add in social cliques, gossip, and burnout, and you have that minefield mentioned earlier.
That being said, incorporating wisdom in the workplace is a sure-fire way to turn minefields into molehills, so to speak — and it’s only eight steps away.
I recently pursued a scientific inquiry I dubbed The Wisdom Research Project. I set out to examine what components define wisdom. From interviews with 60 wise adults, I found eight qualities that wise people share: resilience, kindness, positivity, spirituality, humility, tolerance, creativity, and curiosity. These elements are essentially the secret to success in the workplace, and in life in general.
Knowing the eight elements of wisdom isn’t enough. It’s using them that allows the magic to happen. With this in mind, these are ways that they can be integrated in the workplace:
1. Resilience: This ability to “bounce-back” after experiencing a difficulty or challenge is especially important in the workplace. It allows individuals to persevere and be resourceful. Having resilience is exhibited in problem-solving skills that show that one is dependable and reliable. A resilient person sees an obstacle as a learning opportunity that will strengthen their skills and help them to better tackle future difficulties. Team members who are resilient provide the company valuable skills: unrelenting commitment and a solid work ethic. Resilience is also a quality that’s contagious among fellow employees.
2. Kindness: This trait equates with being friendly, generous, and habitually thinking of others. Kindness is valued among all societies and organizations. Being kind shows confidence, composure, and good judgement, and allows for better communication and a respectful atmosphere. An individual can still be firm, but knows to lead with kindness. It’s very easy to do and has far-reaching results. As Mark Twain said, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
3. Positivity: The practice of being optimistic in life involves having a positive perspective. A positive person approaches life and obstacles as opportunities. Whatever challenges take place in the workplace, positive employees see them as a way to learn so they can be better at their job in the future. Positive people bring excitement and cooperation into the workplace that makes everyone work harder — and be happier. Their positivity is contagious.
4. Spirituality: It may seem strange to think about spirituality in the workplace, but when employees believe there’s something greater than themselves, they’re more likely to consider what’s best for the collective whole instead of only what’s best for themselves. Spirituality enhances belief in the mission and values of the organization. These employees feel a sense of purpose in what they do. They have a connection with their coworkers because of their belief that they’re all a part of something greater.
5. Humility: As C.S. Lewis said about humility, “It’s not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” A humble person has depth of character and lacks ego. They’re not concerned with how others view them, and likewise it doesn’t make them feel big to make others feel small. Being humble enables workers to be open to learning new things — a critical component to successful teamwork. When workers are humble, they’re better able to connect with other coworkers. Humility is also appreciated by leaders who prefer working with employees that are down to earth and eager to learn.
6. Tolerance: The ability to have empathy for those around us and for beliefs and practices that differ from our own is key to workplace wisdom. Being tolerant is being unbiased and open-minded. It promotes better problem solving as it invites different viewpoints that can help produce spectacular solutions. Tolerance also creates a more diverse and friendly work environment, building stronger teams and interpersonal work relationships.
7. Creativity: In the workplace, creatively thinking about problems differently or looking at scenarios from new perspectives adds an important element to any team. Creativity helps workers imagine and envision different outcomes. We all have this innate ability to wonder and imagine, and when it hasn’t been stifled, this type of creative vision strengthens the workplace. It introduces an air of lightness that others are attracted to. Leaders appreciate creative workers who can bring more innovation and originality to the company.
8. Curiosity: A desire to learn and be interested in anything new is the foundation of all the above elements and is key to succeeding in the workplace. Curiosity drives workers to ask, How do I thrive here and how can I contribute to this environment? How can I learn more and have an influence in making my department better?It allows for change, growth, and discovery. A company composed of curious workers thrives. Coworkers that are curious about one another build strong relationships. Leaders value curiosity in their employees as they know that being curious leads to outstanding progress and development for the organization.
Strive to incorporate these eight elements of wisdom in the workplace. It may take time and effort, but the process and the results will be rewarding and energizing for any business.
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Dr. Laura Gabayan is a world-renowned Physician, Researcher, Psychology Today Contributor, and Award-Winning Author of 2 books: “Common Wisdom: 8 Scientific Elements of a Meaningful Life” (March 2024) and “Common Wisdom Journal” (December 2024). To help others, the author used her research expertise to create The Wisdom Research Project. After interviewing 60 “wise” adults across North America, she scientifically defined 8 life skills that can help increase your joy, happiness, and success. For more information, visit https://lauragabayan.com
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