Discovering the Depth of an Ancient Saying
As a leader deeply invested in the principles of Intentional Well-being Leadership (IWL), I've often reiterated a profound quote to my team: "Knowledge is only a rumor until it lives in the bones." This saying, which has become a staple in our weekly discussions, echoes the wisdom of the Asaro tribe of Papua New Guinea. Intrigued by its depth, I delved deeper and discovered its original form: "Knowledge is only a rumor until it lives in the muscle." This slight shift from 'bones' to 'muscle' opened a new dimension of understanding, particularly in the context of IWL.
The Insight of the Asaro Tribe: A Muscle-Centric View
The Asaro tribe's wisdom, highlighted and interpreted by thought leaders like Brené Brown, is a beacon for modern leadership. While Brené Brown's interpretation aligns knowledge with the structural depth of our being ('bones'), the original saying places emphasis on action and application ('muscle'). In the dynamic world of IWL, this resonates profoundly.
From Understanding to Doing: The IWL Approach
Active Application in Leadership: IWL isn't just about theoretical understanding; it's about putting knowledge into action. Just as muscles are built and strengthened through use, the principles of emotional intelligence, servant leadership, and resilience in IWL are honed through active application.
Dynamic Leadership in Practice: The muscle metaphor reflects the dynamic nature of IWL. It's about adapting these principles in real-time, responding to the unique challenges and opportunities of our ever-changing work environment with agility and resilience.
Continuous Growth and Development: Like muscles that develop with consistent exercise, the journey of IWL is ongoing. Each challenge we face and every decision we make is an opportunity to strengthen our leadership capabilities.
Brené Brown's Influence: A Foundation for IWL
Brené Brown's interpretation of the Asaro tribe's wisdom as 'living in the bones' offers a foundational perspective essential for understanding the depth and importance of IWL principles. It's about internalizing these values so deeply that they become part of our core.
Integrating Both Perspectives
Incorporating both 'bones' and 'muscle' perspectives provides a holistic approach to leadership. It's about deeply understanding the core principles of IWL ('bones') and actively applying them ('muscle') in our leadership journey.
Living the Wisdom in Leadership
The wisdom of the Asaro tribe, as highlighted by Brené Brown and understood in its original context, provides a rich tapestry for Intentional Well-being Leadership. It's a reminder that true knowledge in leadership is not just what we understand internally, but also what we express through our actions. As leaders, let us strive to not only internalize the principles of IWL but also actively embody them, turning our knowledge into the muscle of impactful leadership.
Comments