Not all heroes wear capes

Today, many leaders operate in a global context and those who lead in more local contexts are still deeply impacted by worldwide politics and events. As leaders strive to keep up with the whirring and the spinning, attempting to understand how the latest news may impact their organisation and their people, the effort and the strain are palpable. This constant pressure is simply not sustainable. Some say we are facing the greatest leadership crisis ever experienced - a crisis certainly, but history is full of examples of similar struggles.

So how can we as leaders make a positive impact where we are now? Whether in our local communities or a global context, how can we bring calm and order amidst anxiety and chaos?

Plato once said, "Power without wisdom is tyranny, but wisdom without power is useless." If we truly wish to make a positive impact we need to lead with both wisdom and power.

Wisdom in leadership is more than just intelligence or experience—it is the ability to make thoughtful, ethical, and long-term decisions while considering the needs of others. A wise leader navigates complexity with emotional intelligence, integrity, and a deep understanding of human nature.

Some hallmarks of wise leadership include: 

• Recognising they do not have all the knowledge and solutions on their own. Wise leaders surround themselves with people who have greater knowledge and they harness the skills and experience of their people – they are comfortable “sharing power” in order to get the best outcome for the organisation.

• Wise leaders are always seeking to learn and are receptive to new ideas. They will actively search for different perspectives, constantly testing their own hypotheses. They are open to being wrong because they are not driven by ego.

• They think to the end, they are not distracted or limited by short-term thinking. Their priority is exercising good judgement and making well-considered decisions.

• They act with integrity. They have strong moral values which guide them through the toughest of decisions.

Crucially, wisdom helps leaders use power well, and power used well amplifies the impact of wisdom. Whether we like it or not, as leaders, we hold power—and it is our responsibility to learn how to wield it wisely.

When wisdom and power are partnered together good leadership can be found and that has to be good news for those who are impacted by that leader - good news for their people and their community.

And as leaders, we can always cultivate more wisdom. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Schedule regular learning opportunities - read a book or an article that interests you. Sign up for that course you talked yourself out of because you don’t have time (you will never have the time, then it will be too late!)

• Be curious and seek out diverse perspectives, especially ones you disagree with. Challenge your assumptions and broaden your understanding.

• Increase your self-awareness, this could be through self-reflection, journalling, or finding a great coach or mentor.

Wisdom in leadership is about making choices that benefit not just the present but the future. It’s about cultivating curiosity, seeking out others’ perspectives and thoughtfully making decisions.

As you reflect on the role of wisdom and power in your leadership, ask yourself: What small step can you take today to lead more thoughtfully and ethically? Whether it's seeking new perspectives, embracing lifelong learning, or honing your self-awareness, remember that wise leadership starts with intentional action. Commit to being a leader who not only navigates challenges but shapes the future with integrity and vision. Start today—your people and your community will thank you for it.