Background

This guidebook draws on perspectives from CCL’s research on executive and adult development with leaders in different countries and of diverse backgrounds. In particular, it draws on two primary sources: (1) research findings based on the Lessons of Experience work conducted at CCL in North America over the past twenty-five years among leaders with different gender, ethnicity, and organizational levels; and (2) recent experiences interviewing leaders in Asian countries such as China, India, and Singapore about their lessons of experience in leadership. The work reflects CCL’s approach to leadership development, which is grounded in life experiences and enhanced through feedback and reflection.

In interviews with senior business leaders in Asia, many exceptional individuals suggested that leadership is an art and the process of developing wisdom is through both experience and reflection. Wisdom enables a leader to think in a more holistic manner, weigh multiple perspectives, and plan based on the benefit of the organization. Although wisdom can seem difficult to obtain, CCL’s research identifies two relevant sources where leaders access and develop wisdom: learning from one’s own experience, including various work and personal events, and learning from others, such as role models and mentors.

As a part of this approach, this guidebook provides leaders with practical tips for acquiring leadership wisdom by reflecting on their own experience and inquiring about others’ learning. These methods help surface data, facts, emotions, values, judgments, and actions that leaders can carry as they handle various challenges.