Part 1 — Introducing the Polyhedron model of wisdom

In today’s fast-paced world, where information is abundant but true wisdom often feels scarce, understanding the intricate nature of wisdom has never been more important. Wisdom isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about applying that knowledge in a way that’s thoughtful, ethical, and beneficial to both individuals and society as a whole. To explore this further and as a continuation of my previous article in the Understanding Wisdom Series, I’m excited to introduce a three-part post on the Polyhedron model of wisdom, a comprehensive framework that dissects wisdom into seven interconnected components. This model, detailed in the 2020 research paper ‘A Polyhedron Model of Wisdom: A Systematic Review of Wisdom Studies in Psychology, Management and Leadership, and Education‘ by Sareh Karami, Mehdi Ghahremani, Fabio Andres Parra-Martinez, and Marcia Gentry, provides a structured yet holistic approach to understanding and cultivating wisdom in various contexts.

Why wisdom is more important than ever

Before diving into the model itself, let’s take a moment to reflect on why wisdom matters so much in today’s world. We live in an age where we’re constantly bombarded with information—from news headlines to social media updates, the sheer volume of data can be overwhelming. Yet, despite this abundance of information, true wisdom—defined as the ability to make sound decisions based on knowledge, experience, and ethical considerations—seems to be in short supply.

Wisdom is essential in all areas of life, whether you’re an educator shaping young minds, a leader steering an organisation through turbulent times, or an individual striving for personal growth. It guides us in making decisions that are not only effective but also just, and it helps us navigate the complexities of our personal and professional lives with grace and integrity.

Introducing the Polyhedron model

The Polyhedron Model offers a robust framework for understanding wisdom. Unlike models that focus solely on cognitive aspects, this framework integrates emotional, ethical, and practical dimensions, providing a more comprehensive view of what it means to be wise. The model breaks down wisdom into seven key components: knowledge management, self-regulation, altruism and moral maturity, openness and tolerance, sound judgment and decision-making, intelligence and creative thinking, dynamic balance and synthesis translated into action

In this post, we’ll explore the first three components—laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of wisdom.

1. Knowledge management

From information to insight

The first component, knowledge management, goes beyond merely possessing information. In the context of wisdom, it’s about effectively integrating and applying knowledge in diverse, often complex situations. It involves discerning not just what information is relevant, but also when and how to use it.

Think about a leader faced with a strategic decision. It’s not enough to know market trends; the real challenge lies in understanding how these trends impact the business in the broader socio-economic context. This component of wisdom also involves a deep sense of self-awareness—recognising the limits of one’s knowledge and knowing when to seek input from others.

In today’s information-rich world, where facts and data are readily available at our fingertips, the ability to manage and apply knowledge effectively is what separates true wisdom from mere information overload.

Key takeaways:

• Integration: Wisdom involves combining knowledge from various domains to make informed decisions.
• Application: It’s about utilising knowledge effectively in real-world scenarios.
• Reflection: Evaluating the scope and limits of one’s understanding is crucial in complex decision-making.

2. Self-regulation

Mastering the inner landscape

The second component, self-regulation, refers to the ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in a way that aligns with personal goals and maintains social harmony. It’s about exercising control over impulses and reactions, particularly in challenging situations.

Imagine an educator managing a classroom of diverse students with varying needs and behaviours. Instead of reacting with frustration to disruptions, a self-regulated approach involves assessing the underlying issues and responding with strategies that address both individual and group dynamics. This not only fosters personal growth but also creates a positive, constructive environment for learning.

Self-regulation is equally vital in leadership. A leader who can maintain composure and think clearly under pressure is better equipped to make sound decisions that benefit the organisation and its stakeholders.

Key takeaways:

• Emotional intelligence: Wisdom involves recognising and managing one’s emotions effectively.
• Behavioural control: Aligning actions with long-term objectives is essential for sustained success.
• Social harmony: Navigating interpersonal dynamics with empathy and understanding is a hallmark of wise leadership.

3. Altruism and moral maturity

Ethics in action

The third component, altruism and moral maturity, emphasises the ethical dimensions of wisdom. It’s not enough to be knowledgeable or self-regulated—true wisdom involves acting with compassion, integrity, and fairness towards others. This dimension ensures that our actions and decisions benefit not just ourselves but also the broader community.

In an organisational context, this might manifest as corporate social responsibility initiatives that go beyond profit motives to address social and environmental concerns. Leaders who demonstrate moral maturity are transparent, fair, and committed to the greater good, fostering trust and loyalty among employees, customers, and stakeholders.

Altruism and moral maturity are also crucial in personal relationships. A wise person considers the impact of their actions on others and strives to act in ways that promote the well-being of those around them.

Key takeaways:

• Compassion: Prioritising the well-being of others is a key aspect of wisdom.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards consistently is essential for building trust.
• Fairness: Ensuring equitable treatment in all interactions reflects moral maturity.

Bringing it all together

The first three components of the Polyhedron model—knowledge management, self-regulation, and altruism and moral maturity—lay a strong foundation for understanding the multifaceted nature of wisdom. These components remind us that wisdom is not just about what we know but also about how we manage ourselves and interact ethically with the world around us.

In the next post of this series, we’ll explore the remaining components: openness and tolerance, sound judgement and decision-making, intelligence and creative thinking, and dynamic balance and synthesis translated into action.