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Practical Wisdom's Power

By Alexa Ward | Published on  
Ethical Elevation: Fostering Wisdom, Morality, and Compassionate Leadership.

In a world that often seems focused on material gains and cutting-edge advancements, it’s easy to overlook the importance of virtues. Virtue may sound like an old-fashioned word, out of place in our modern environment, but let me share an example that might shed some light on its meaning.

Imagine the job description of a hospital janitor scrolling up on the screen. It includes tasks like mopping floors, sweeping, emptying trash, and restocking cabinets. While these duties may seem ordinary, what’s remarkable is that not a single task on the list involves interacting with other human beings. Surprising, isn’t it?

Yet, when psychologists interviewed hospital janitors, they discovered stories of kindness and empathy. There was Mike, who stopped mopping the floor to allow Mr. Jones some exercise outside his bed. Charlene ignored her supervisor’s orders and didn’t vacuum the visitor’s lounge because family members were napping there. And then there was Luke, who washed the floor twice in a comatose young man’s room because the man’s father missed seeing him the first time.

These janitors understood that their job extended beyond mere cleaning. Their acts of kindness and care actually improved the quality of patient care and made the hospitals run more efficiently. The remarkable thing is that their job descriptions don’t even mention these human interactions. It shows that they possess both the moral will and moral skill to do what is right for others.

Practical wisdom, as Aristotle put it, is the combination of moral will and moral skill. A wise person knows when and how to make exceptions to rules and how to improvise according to the situation at hand. Real-world problems are often ambiguous, and a wise person can adapt and find appropriate solutions for the people they are serving.

Wisdom is not something innate; it is grew through experience. The janitors I mentioned earlier emphasized that it takes a lot of experience to learn how to care for people. They need time to get to know the individuals they serve, permission to try new things and occasionally fail, and guidance from wise mentors.

At TED, brilliance is abundant, but being brilliant is not enough. Without wisdom, brilliance can lead to trouble. We often resort to rules and incentives to fix problems, but they can only take us so far. Excessive reliance on rules stifles moral skill, while constant appeals to incentives erode moral will. This inadvertently wages a war against wisdom.

Rules and incentives have their place, but they should not overshadow the importance of practical wisdom. We need to celebrate moral exemplars and acknowledge their contributions. Even ordinary heroes, like the janitors I mentioned, deserve recognition. As practitioners, we should strive to be ordinary heroes ourselves and create environments that care moral skill and moral will.

Teaching practical wisdom is crucial, and as mentors, we should embody the values we want to instill in others. By paying attention to how we work, how we structure our organizations, and fostering an environment that allows wisdom to flourish, we can make a positive impact.

So, let’s trust our country, not just in terms of financial investments, but in investing in virtues that can transform our society. It may not always be easy, but there is reason for hope. Each and every one of us has the capacity to develop practical wisdom and make a difference. Let’s hug it and strive to do what is right, not just for personal gain, but for the betterment of our communities and the world as a whole.

Have you ever stopped to consider the remarkable impact that janitors can have in a hospital? Their job descriptions typically involve tasks like mopping floors, sweeping, and emptying trash. But there’s something extraordinary about the janitors who go above and beyond their duties, showing kindness, care, and empathy towards others.

I recall the stories shared by psychologists who interviewed hospital janitors. They encountered individuals like Mike, who paused his mopping to allow a patient to exercise and regain strength. Then there was Charlene, who ignored her supervisor’s instructions and refrained from vacuuming the visitor’s lounge because she noticed family members resting there. And let’s not forget Luke, who washed the floor twice in a comatose patient’s room because the patient’s father missed seeing him the first time.

What’s striking is that these acts of kindness weren’t part of the janitors’ official job descriptions. Their positions could have been performed in any environment, not necessarily a hospital. Yet, their moral will and moral skill allowed them to understand the importance of human interactions in their work.

Janitors, technicians, nurses, and even doctors who exhibit such behavior don’t just make people feel better, they improve the overall quality of patient care. Their actions create an environment where patients receive better treatment, and hospitals run more smoothly.

It raises an interesting question: why don’t their job descriptions mention anything about these interactions with other human beings? It seems that the janitors who embody virtues like kindness, care, and empathy recognize that these qualities are essential to their roles. They possess the moral will to do right by others and the moral skill to see what doing right means in various situations.

Practical wisdom, as Aristotle noted, is a combination of moral will and moral skill. It’s the ability to navigate real-world problems, adapt to changing contexts, and use these moral skills in the service of noble aims—serving others rather than manipulating them.

These janitors teach us that wisdom isn’t something innate; it’s acquired through experience. They emphasize that it takes time to truly understand and care for the people they serve. It requires permission to try new things, occasional failures, and most importantly, guidance from wise mentors.

At times, we find ourselves relying heavily on rules and incentives to address issues. But the truth is, neither rules nor incentives can fully capture the complexities of moral decision-making. We need something more—something that allows us to make exceptions to rules when necessary, something that encourages improvisation when facing ambiguous problems.

The stories of these janitors remind us of the power of practical wisdom in our lives and work. They demonstrate that acts of kindness and care are essential components of any job that involves interacting with other human beings. Whether we are janitors, managers, or professionals in various fields, we should strive to grow moral will and moral skill.

As we aim to create environments that care these qualities, we must also acknowledge and celebrate moral heroes. They serve as exemplars of virtue, reminding us of the importance of doing what is right, even when it’s not explicitly written in our job descriptions.

So, let’s learn from the janitors who went beyond their duties, bringing kindness and care into their work. By developing practical wisdom and incorporating it into our daily lives, we can make a positive impact on those around us. Together, we can create a world where virtues like empathy, kindness, and care are valued as much as technical expertise and professional achievements.

Have you ever wondered what makes some healthcare professionals stand out in their ability to provide exceptional care? It turns out that practical wisdom, a combination of moral will and moral skill, plays a crucial role in improving patient care outcomes.

Let me share a fascinating insight from the stories of hospital janitors. Their job descriptions rarely mention anything about human interactions, yet some of them go beyond their duties to show kindness, care, and empathy towards patients and their families.

Psychologists, in their interviews with these janitors, discovered incredible anecdotes. There was Mike, who chose to stop mopping the floor to allow Mr. Jones to exercise and build strength by walking the halls. Charlene shared how she disregarded her supervisor’s admonition and refrained from vacuuming the visitor’s lounge because family members were present, needing rest. And then there was Luke, who washed the floor in a comatose patient’s room twice because the patient’s father, who had been keeping a vigil for months, missed seeing Luke do it the first time and became upset.

The behaviors of these janitors, along with technicians, nurses, and occasionally doctors, not only uplifted the spirits of patients but also had a significant impact on the quality of patient care. It’s remarkable how their acts of kindness and empathy improved the overall functioning of hospitals.

It begs the question: Why don’t their job descriptions explicitly mention these human interactions as an integral part of their roles? The janitors who embody these virtues understand that caring for patients goes beyond mere technical tasks. They possess the moral will to do right by others and the moral skill to see how to fulfill their patients’ needs.

Practical wisdom, as Aristotle explained, combines moral will and moral skill. It’s the ability to navigate complex, real-world problems and adapt to ever-changing circumstances. A wise person, much like a jazz musician, understands when and how to make exceptions to the rules, improvising and finding appropriate solutions for the situation at hand.

But practical wisdom isn’t something that magically appears; it develops through experience. The janitors emphasized that it takes time to truly understand and care for the people they serve. It requires the freedom to try new approaches, learn from failures, and be mentored by wise teachers.

In our pursuit of solutions, we often turn to rules and incentives. While they have their place, relying solely on rules can stifle moral skill, and excessive dependence on incentives undermines moral will. To truly improve patient care and foster a compassionate healthcare environment, we need to grow practical wisdom.

The stories of these janitors teach us that any work involving human interactions is inherently moral work. It’s about treating patients as individuals with unique needs, not just objects to be managed. Practical wisdom enables healthcare professionals to deliver care that goes beyond technical expertise, ensuring patients feel heard, understood, and valued.

As we strive to create environments that promote practical wisdom, we must celebrate the ordinary heroes among us. These individuals show the virtues of kindness, care, and empathy in their daily work. They serve as beacons of hope, reminding us of the profound impact we can have on others when we integrate practical wisdom into our professional lives.

So, let us recognize and support these extraordinary individuals while also fostering the development of practical wisdom in ourselves and those around us. By doing so, we can contribute to the continuous improvement of patient care, making healthcare not only efficient but also deeply compassionate.

We live in a world where rules and incentives are often hailed as the ultimate solution to fix problems. But have we ever stopped to consider the unintended consequences of this approach? The truth is, relying excessively on rules and incentives can lead us down a downward spiral, inhibiting the development of practical wisdom.

Let me share a story that sheds light on this issue. Imagine a father and his seven-year-old son attending a baseball game. The son asks his dad for some lemonade, and the dad goes to the concession stand to buy it. To his surprise, all they have is a lemonade brand containing 5% alcohol. Unaware of this, the dad purchases it and gives it to his son.

As fate would have it, a security guard notices the child drinking the lemonade, raises concern, and calls the police. An ambulance arrives at the ballpark, rushing the child to the hospital. After testing, it becomes clear that the child had no alcohol in his blood. The situation seemed to be resolved, but there was more to come.

The Wayne County Child Welfare Protection Agency intervened and sent the child to a foster home for three days. The child’s father was only permitted to bring his son back home if he left the house and checked into a motel. After a couple of weeks, the family was finally reunited, but the incident left a bitter taste.

In this story, we witness the rigid application of rules and procedures without considering the broader context or exercising practical wisdom. The Child Welfare Protection Agency followed protocol, claiming that they hated doing it but had to follow the procedures. They believed rules were necessary to prevent future disasters, as past officials may have been lax in their judgments.

When faced with problems, we often reach for two tools: rules and incentives. We believe that better rules and more incentives will lead to better outcomes. We can see this in the financial sector’s response to the crisis by advocating for more regulations and fixing the incentives. The prevailing sentiment is “regulate, regulate, regulate” and “fix the incentives, fix the incentives.”

However, rules and incentives alone cannot capture the complexities of human decision-making and morality. How can we possibly write a rule that accounts for every situation and ensures empathetic behavior? Is it even plausible to offer financial incentives for acts of kindness and empathy? It seems preposterous on the surface.

The danger lies in the fact that as we increasingly turn to rules and incentives, we inadvertently wage a war against wisdom. Excessive reliance on rules erodes moral skill, depriving individuals of the opportunity to improvise and learn from their experiences. Likewise, constant appeals to incentives destroy moral will, reducing the desire to do what is right.

We mustn’t undermine the importance of practical wisdom in our pursuit of solutions. It is practical wisdom that allows us to make exceptions to rules when necessary, to adapt to ambiguous real-world problems, and to find appropriate solutions for the people involved.

While rules and incentives have their place, we mustn’t let them overshadow the development of practical wisdom. We need to celebrate moral heroes, those individuals who show virtues like honesty, kindness, and courage. Their actions inspire us to do what is right, even when it’s not explicitly mandated.

To break free from the downward spiral of rules and incentives, we must create environments that encourage the cultivation of practical wisdom. We should strive to strike a balance between the necessary guidelines and the freedom to exercise moral judgment.

So, let’s reflect on the story of the lemonade incident and learn from it. Let’s resist the temptation to rely solely on rules and incentives. Instead, let’s hug the complexity of human interactions, foster practical wisdom, and ultimately create a society that values thoughtful decision-making and

Incentives have long been hailed as a powerful tool for motivating individuals and driving desired behaviors. From the business world to education and beyond, the use of incentives is prevalent. However, it’s important to recognize the pitfalls that come with excessive reliance on incentives and the potential harm it can cause.

Let’s delve into a thought-provoking example that sheds light on this issue. In Switzerland, about 15 years ago, a national referendum was held to determine the placement of nuclear waste dumps. Psychologists conducted surveys, posing two different questions to citizens who were well-informed on the matter.

The first question asked if they would be willing to have a nuclear waste dump in their community. Astonishingly, 50% of the respondents answered “yes,” despite acknowledging the risks and potential property value implications. The second question presented a slight variation: if they were paid six weeks’ salary every year, would they be willing to have a nuclear waste dump in their community? Surprisingly, the percentage of respondents who answered “yes” decreased to 25%.

This example highlights the competing nature of multiple reasons to perform the same action. While it may seem logical that offering additional incentives would increase compliance, the reality is often different. Instead of complementing one another, multiple incentives can end up competing, leading to a decrease in willingness to engage in the desired behavior.

We must recognize that there are no foolproof incentives that can be devised to always draw out the desired response. Any incentive system can be subverted by individuals who possess ill intentions or engage in unethical practices. While incentives have their place and can be effective in certain contexts, an excessive reliance on them can have detrimental consequences.

Excessive focus on incentives demoralizes professional activity in two distinct ways. Firstly, it causes individuals engaged in the activity to lose morale, reducing their intrinsic motivation and passion for their work. Secondly, it compromises the moral integrity of the activity itself, as the emphasis shifts solely to external rewards rather than the inherent value and ethical considerations.

We see this play out in various domains, such as medicine and business. In medicine, we may encounter situations where doctors prioritize avoiding lawsuits over delivering the best possible care. Likewise, in the business world, executives driven by short-term gains may neglect the long-term health of their companies, leading to detrimental outcomes.

Barack Obama once stated, “We must ask not just ‘Is it profitable?’ but ‘Is it right?’” This sentiment rings true when it comes to the pitfalls of excessive reliance on incentives. It reminds us of the importance of considering the moral dimension of our actions and the long-term consequences they entail.

While incentives undoubtedly play a role in our lives and can motivate certain behaviors, they should not overshadow the intrinsic values and ethical considerations that drive our decision-making. We need to strike a balance between incentives and the inherent desire to do what is right.

So, let’s be mindful of the pitfalls associated with excessive reliance on incentives. Instead of searching for better incentives, we should focus on growing a sense of moral responsibility and a commitment to doing what is right, even when external rewards are not immediately apparent.

By caring a culture that emphasizes ethical decision-making, we can create environments where individuals are guided by their internal compass, their moral will, and the wisdom to see the right course of action. Let us strive for a balance that recognizes the power of incentives while preserving the importance of intrinsic motivation, integrity, and the well-being of all those involved.

In our journey through life, there are certain individuals who inspire us with their exceptional qualities and acts of kindness. These moral heroes remind us of the best of humanity and serve as beacons of hope in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

We all have our own moral heroes, whether they are fictional characters like Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird” or real-life individuals who have touched our lives. They embody virtues such as honesty, compassion, and courage, and their actions leave a lasting impact on those around them.

However, as we grow older and more sophisticated, there seems to be a reluctance to acknowledge the existence of moral heroes. We often dismiss the idea of having role models, thinking that it’s naive or simplistic. But what if we hugged and celebrated these moral exemplars instead?

By acknowledging and celebrating moral heroes, we create a culture that values and promotes ethical behavior. When we allow ourselves to be inspired by their actions, we develop a sense of responsibility and a desire to emulate their virtues in our own lives. It’s through their stories that we find hope and the belief that positive change is possible.

One remarkable example of a moral hero is Aaron Feuerstein, the former head of Malden Mills in Massachusetts. When their factory burned down, he made the extraordinary decision to keep all 3,000 employees on the payroll. Despite the financial challenges, he understood that letting go of his employees would have been a disaster for both them and the community. Feuerstein’s act of compassion and integrity serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can make.

At events like TED, we often hear stories of moral heroes who are transforming their fields and making a difference in the world. Ray Anderson, the founder of Interface, turned his company into an environmentally sustainable business, demonstrating that profitability and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Willie Smits’s efforts to reforest in Indonesia show how one person’s dedication and knowledge can have a profound ecological and social impact.

These stories remind us that moral heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They can be ordinary individuals who choose to do the right thing, even in the face of adversity. Their actions may not always make headlines, but they make a difference in the lives of those they touch.

As practitioners in our respective fields, we have the power to be moral heroes in our own right. Each of us can strive to be ordinary heroes, practicing kindness, empathy, and integrity in our daily lives. By doing so, we create a ripple effect that extends beyond our immediate sphere of influence.

If you find yourself in a position of leadership, whether as a head of an organization or as a mentor, remember the impact you can have on others. Encourage an environment that fosters moral development and provides the freedom to exercise practical wisdom. Celebrate and acknowledge the moral heroes among your team, and be a guiding force that inspires others to follow in their footsteps.

In a world that often highlights negativity and cynicism, let’s make a conscious effort to celebrate moral heroes. Their stories remind us that goodness and compassion exist, and that each one of us has the capacity to make a positive impact. Together, let’s create a society that values and celebrates these extraordinary individuals, as they inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves.

As individuals, we have an innate desire to engage in meaningful work that aligns with our values and makes a positive impact on others. However, the environments in which we operate can either facilitate or hinder the expression of our moral selves. It is crucial to create workplaces that foster moral work and enable individuals to flourish.

Think back to a time when you felt truly motivated and fulfilled in your work. Chances are, it wasn’t solely because of financial incentives or strict rules. Instead, it was likely a result of working in an environment that valued and cared moral behavior.

To create such environments, we must first recognize that any work involving interactions with other people is moral work. Whether you are a janitor, a nurse, a teacher, or a CEO, your actions have the potential to impact the lives of others. By acknowledging this moral dimension, we can set the stage for ethical conduct to flourish.

One crucial element is to ensure that job descriptions reflect the moral aspects of the work. Consider the example of hospital janitors who go above and beyond their duties to show kindness and empathy to patients and their families. Despite their official job descriptions lacking any mention of these human interactions, these janitors understand that caring for people is an essential part of their role.

As leaders, it is our responsibility to create an environment that encourages and enables individuals to exercise practical wisdom. This involves granting permission for experimentation, occasional failure, and learning from those failures. It also means providing sufficient time and resources for individuals to truly get to know the people they serve, allowing for personalized care and empathy.

Mentorship is another vital aspect of fostering moral work. Wise teachers can guide and inspire individuals on their moral journeys, helping them develop practical wisdom through their experiences. As mentors, we have the opportunity to share our knowledge and insights, creating a ripple effect that benefits not only the mentees but also the broader community.

In order to create environments that support moral work, we must also be aware of the structural barriers that may hinder ethical behavior. Excessive bureaucracy, rigid hierarchies, and a lack of autonomy can stifle individuals’ ability to make morally sound decisions. By addressing these structural issues, we can enable individuals to exercise their moral judgment and act in accordance with their values.

Moreover, it is essential to grow a culture of accountability and transparency. When organizations prioritize ethical conduct and hold individuals accountable for their actions, it sends a powerful message that moral work is valued and expected. This, in turn, encourages individuals to strive for moral excellence and act in the best interests of others.

Creating environments for moral work requires a collective effort. It calls for leaders who prioritize ethics and create structures that enable individuals to exercise their moral agency. It also requires individuals to hug their role as moral actors and take responsibility for their actions.

By promoting ethical behavior, valuing empathy and compassion, and caring practical wisdom, we can build workplaces that inspire and enable individuals to make a positive impact. Let us strive to create environments where moral work is not only recognized but also celebrated, fostering a culture of integrity, kindness, and excellence. Together, we can create a better world, one morally-driven workplace at a time.

Throughout our lives, we encounter various teachers who leave a lasting impact on our journeys of growth and learning. These mentors, often unsung heroes, play a crucial role in shaping our character, values, and practical wisdom. Their guidance and wisdom enable us to navigate the complexities of life and make sound decisions.

Think back to your own experiences. Who were the mentors who influenced you the most? Perhaps it was a teacher, a coach, a family member, or a wise friend. Regardless of their role, these mentors possessed a unique ability to impart practical wisdom, which Aristotle defined as the combination of moral will and moral skill.

Practical wisdom is not something that can be obtained solely through textbooks or lectures. It is grew through experience, reflection, and the guidance of wise mentors. These mentors provide us with valuable insights, helping us understand when and how to make exceptions to rules, navigate ambiguous situations, and act in ways that serve the greater good.

One of the remarkable aspects of practical wisdom is that it is not solely confined to a specific profession or field of expertise. Whether you’re a janitor, a doctor, a lawyer, or an artist, practical wisdom enables you to adapt and make wise decisions in the face of real-world problems that are often complex and ever-changing.

The role of mentors in teaching practical wisdom is invaluable. They not only share their knowledge and expertise but also provide the space for us to learn from our own experiences. They encourage us to question, to explore, and to hug the uncertainties that life presents. By doing so, they instill in us the confidence to think critically, to improvise, and to find innovative solutions tailored to the situation at hand.

One of the key attributes of effective mentors is their ability to recognize that practical wisdom is not a one-size-fits-all concept. They understand that different individuals and different contexts require different approaches. By tailoring their guidance to our unique needs and circumstances, they enable us to develop our own moral compass and make informed decisions.

Moreover, mentors provide us with the permission to take risks, try new things, and occasionally stumble along the way. They offer a safe space for us to learn from our failures and grow from them. Through their support and guidance, mentors help us develop the toughness and determination necessary to navigate the challenges that come our way.

It is essential to recognize that wisdom is not solely the domain of the older generation. Wisdom can be found in individuals of all ages and backgrounds. We can learn from the experiences and insights of our peers, creating a reciprocal mentorship that fosters growth and mutual understanding.

As we reflect on the role of mentors, let us also consider our own potential to become mentors to others. Each of us has the ability to guide and inspire those around us, regardless of our professional titles or positions. By sharing our knowledge, experiences, and practical wisdom, we can help shape the next generation of moral leaders.

In a world that often values knowledge and skills above all else, let us not underestimate the power of practical wisdom and the role of mentors in growing it. As we navigate the complexities of life, may we seek out and hug the guidance of wise mentors who can light up our paths and enable us to make wise choices. And may we, in turn, strive to become mentors who inspire and guide others, fostering a culture of wisdom and compassion in our communities.

In a world that often seems complex and challenging, the pursuit of practical wisdom stands as a guiding light. It reminds us that there is more to success than mere knowledge or following rigid rules. Practical wisdom calls upon us to hug our moral selves, to navigate ambiguity with grace, and to act in ways that align with our values.

Throughout this exploration, we have delved into the importance of creating environments that support moral work, celebrating moral heroes, and the role of mentors in growing practical wisdom. We have seen that practical wisdom is not an abstract concept but a lived experience that requires both moral will and moral skill.

By creating environments that value empathy, compassion, and integrity, we enable individuals to make a positive impact in their work and beyond. Recognizing and celebrating moral heroes reminds us of the potential within each of us to be agents of change. And through the guidance and wisdom of mentors, we gain the tools to navigate life’s complexities and make decisions that reflect our highest values.

As we move forward, let us keep the teachings of practical wisdom close to our hearts. Let us strive to be moral actors, whether as leaders, professionals, or mentors. Together, we can shape a world where ethical conduct, kindness, and excellence thrive.

In this pursuit, it is not necessary to be extraordinary or have all the answers. Practical wisdom is within reach for each and every one of us, waiting to be grew through our experiences, reflections, and interactions with others. It is through the small choices we make each day that we contribute to a more compassionate and wise society.

So, let us embark on this journey of practical wisdom with open minds and compassionate hearts. May we support one another, celebrate one another’s successes, and learn from one another’s failures. Together, we can create a future that is guided by practical wisdom, where our actions align with our values and the well-being of others.

As we conclude this exploration, may the wisdom gained inspire us to be the change we wish to see in the world. Let us hug practical wisdom as a guiding force and embark on a collective journey toward a more just, compassionate, and wise society.