KARACHI:
Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’ is a timeless tale that imparts profound lessons on the pitfalls of pride and the importance of seeking counsel. In the modern workplace, this theme is just as relevant as ever, as individuals who feign wisdom can derail progress and hinder innovation. Some individuals assume a facade of wisdom but are, in fact, audacious. They project an air of omniscience yet lack an understanding of the intricacies and complexities of daily matters.
In contrast, truly wise individuals recognise the areas where they require growth and are willing to take action to enhance their knowledge and expertise. However, the wise ones are often overlooked and made to feel inferior by those who feign wisdom. This is usually more prevalent in workplaces as competition among colleagues can result in quick fixes and superficial solutions. In such an environment, individuals may be compelled to present themselves as experts or problem-solvers, even if their understanding is limited or flawed. This can create a false sense of confidence and lead to decisions that are misguided or harmful.
On the contrary, those who possess wisdom are often more willing to acknowledge their own limitations and seek out new knowledge or perspectives. They are willing to collaborate with others and are open to feedback and criticism, which can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions. Therefore, organisations need to promote a culture of learning and growth. By valuing and rewarding collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to learning, organisations can ensure that true wisdom is recognised and celebrated and that individuals do not feign expertise at the expense of meaningful progress.
Rakhshanda Abbas
Gilgit
Published in The Express Tribune, April 9th, 2023.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
