(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

Wisdom is the art of perceiving what is true, lasting and present. Mastery is the possession of consummate skill with a full command of a subject of study.

Wisdom comes from knowing yourself and is the ability to see what is so RIGHT NOW. Mastery is subject to knowledge and is based on what was true or right or useful A MOMENT AGO.

When you are using what you remember (memory), it’s about knowledge because memory comes from knowledge and one’s counsel to others is thus stuck in repeatable patterns; you are not free to create on-the-spot with clients. And, given knowledge/mastery must include the past, it is not as flexible or customizable as wisdom naturally is.

Language is what occurs when wisdom is present; vocabulary is what is used when mastery is being demonstrated.

(That said, a Master Coach is wonderful because they know well what they are doing with clients, but it’s the wise coach who attracts clients who are willing to truly learn versus acquire knowledge or success.)

 

Copyright 1996 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.