I enjoyed this quote in today's American Marketing Association e-letter:
"Knowledge comes by taking things apart: analysis. But wisdom comes by putting things together."
It got me thinking of the people I've known in my B2B Marcom career - and what they've taught me.
KNOWLEDGE:
Many people enjoy "taking things apart". It can serve as a very informative process and reveal much interesting data. But, when people lose sight of their goals and use this process to become merely critical, much is lost. It is important to remain focused on the gaining of enriching and useful information in this part of the process. And it is important to remember that, while the amassing of knowledge is critical, it is not the end game.
WISDOM:
The creative process of synthesizing data, information, experiences, and knowledge is what builds wisdom. And wisdom enables a person to more creatively and effectively weave these elements into elegant solutions and creations. It's a virtuous cycle that should be cultivated and developed. After all, isn't this what we are seeking in our B2B Marcom practices? Who gets paid to be average?
So, how do we go beyond gathering knowledge and embrace the quest for wisdom? For that I turned to another quote:
"Be an explorer ... read, surf the internet, visit customers, enjoy arts, watch children play ... do anything to prevent yourself from becoming a prisoner of your knowledge, experience, and current view of the world."
-Charles 'Chic' Thompson (What a Great Idea)
Be an explorer, today.
Image: discover-science website.
