Hello , Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the insights and practices shared by recent guests: • From Chaos to Clarity: Eliška Šestáková on Building Smarter Note Systems • Peter Compo’s Approach to Navigating Business Complexity • Personal Kanban: Mapping Success for Independent Professionals with Tonianne DeMaria I encourage you to listen to these interviews, as they provide practical strategies for enhancing effectiveness in our professions. You can find them here: https://www.wisepreneurs.au/ I’ve realised that I need to focus more deliberately. And, to be honest, at 68, I’m thinking carefully about what I can accomplish over the next twenty years. Yes, I’m an optimist! 😀 In this reflection, I’ve returned to my favourite business philosopher, Charles Handy, and his ideas on intelligence, knowledge work, and the importance of applying what we know. I now see that I’ve spread myself too thin and need to concentrate on specific priorities. Below are some of my thoughts that will form the basis of my work. Next week, I’ll explore what this means for Wisepreneurs in more detail. Discovering your intelligence is one thing; applying it is another. We need to be able to recognise and identify problems and opportunities, organise ourselves and others to take action, and then sit back and reflect on what happened so we can do it better the next time. It is the cycle of discovery at work.” — Charles Handy, The Empty Raincoat. Charles Handy’s thoughts on the discovery cycle highlight how intelligence, or our accumulation of knowledge, must evolve from mere understanding to practical application. While professionals accumulate knowledge over the years, our challenge is to turn that knowledge into meaningful action. This aligns closely with how cognition applies to knowledge work, where effective understanding goes beyond gathering information to applying insights in varied contexts. Cognition involves acquiring knowledge through experience and thought. It emphasises the need to recognise problems and opportunities, organise efforts to address them and engage in critical reflection to refine future actions. Integrating cognition into knowledge work requires more than passive information processing; it demands active engagement with complex information, critical assessment of ideas, and continuous problem-solving to build and enhance knowledge. This active approach is essential to counter cognitive aging for independent professionals who wish to continue working effectively. Applying cognitive skills like learning, analysing, and communicating strengthens executive functions such as planning and decision-making. These skills are supported by various forms of memory—working, declarative, and procedural—that maintain continuity and structure in responding to challenges. Handy’s cycle—identifying, acting, and reflecting—ensures that we respond to our environment, adapt, and grow, enhancing our ability to tackle complex challenges and evolve as effective knowledge workers. While applying mental effort is crucial, it’s equally important to maintain physical health to support these efforts. Three of the guests I’ve interviewed offer valuable insights on staying physically and mentally productive. Meanwhile, Wisepreneurs remains dedicated to supporting independent professional women aged 60+. I provide full-service digital marketing and business expertise through collaborative partnerships. I work closely with clients to build, host, and manage their WordPress websites, ensuring a solid online presence that aligns with their professional goals. From creating compelling content and optimising SEO to maintaining site security and functionality, I aim to showcase your expertise and support your growth. This comprehensive, ongoing partnership isn’t for everyone—it’s designed for professionals committed to long-term sustainability. To be honest, I can only take on one or two additional clients alongside those I currently serve. Plus, you will help me support the podcast. Nigel Rawlins Check out all the Wisepreneurs Podcasts |
Applying Knowledge Effectively: Lessons from Wisepreneurs
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