Rank Talk Write
In Cahalan’s article, “Integrative Knowing and Practical Wisdom” (2017), she describes eight ways of knowing that are essential to wise practice (ranking in parentheses at the end of each point)
- Situated awareness is being aware of the context of the situation, consider options and other’s perspectives, and make a suitable plan of action that is best for all involved. (3)
- Embodied realizing is following mentors and skilled exemplars to “map” their identity (2)
- Conceptual understanding is having skill in basic elements of the profession, such as the theoretical underpinnings of best practice (1)
- Critical thinking is being able to synthesize what is known about theory with previous experiences, and exemplars, thus being able to evaluate concepts and actions (4)
- Emotional attunement is being able to focus on others around them and be aware of one’s own emotions, thus achieving a “calculative rationality” where they are detached from emotions, using them rather, to be informative and insightful (6)
- Creative insight is being able to “think on their feet”, knowing when to find the right program and move towards authentic interpersonal relating, thus developing imaginative and creative responses (7)
- Spiritual discernment is achieving a comfort with “unknowing”, that is, being comfortable with ambiguity and doubt, having a positive self perception and can surrender to God the unknown (8)
- Practical reasoning is fully embracing the role of a professional, being confident in their skills and developed intuition to make and substantiate wise actions in a problem solving setting. (5)
Cahalan’s article (2017) addresses the different phases a minister progresses through in order to achieve the highest level of practical wisdom. Although focusing on spiritual leadership, the principles can apply to any profession. She discusses what she calls the “Intelligence of Practice” which she defines as “the knowing that emerges from intentional practice over time” (pg. 8). One achieves such intelligence in an integrative way which is neither linear nor simple:
“Practical wisdom is integrative knowledge that encompasses the full dimensions of human being, knowing, and acting (pg. 9)”
Though she states that the process is not linear, she does identify several phases a new professional passes through in order to achieve competence. The first phase is a novice phase (p. 10) during which time the student learns basic skills related to the profession, relying on theoretical models, practicing skills, and mimicking exemplars. They are physically and emotionally self-conscious, not quite feeling “the part”, and have a very limited ability to discern the context of new situations. They are building capacity and breadth in their experience.
A second phase would be an advanced beginner (pg. 13), who would begin working with a mentor, reflecting on their self-practice and embracing failures as opportunities to learn. During this phase, an acknowledgement of “calling” is often secured and the new professional has motivation to continue learning and growing.
Over time, the professional becomes competent; they are confident in one’s ability to consider all aspects of problem, and make wise judgements. They truly feel the part of the professional. Cahalan states that “this integration involves both competency and authenticity. A sense of competence is gained by knowing that ‘one is skillful in what one does’ ” (pg. 16).
Finally, some professionals move to an expert phase (pg. 17) where they return to theoretical learning, but focus on discrete aspects of practice. This phase is most notable for its heightened spiritual characteristic of “unknowing”; the ability to deal with ambiguity, and surrender to God the perceptions we have of ourselves and the world around us. In this phase, a professional is truly acting with integrity making wise decisions based on knowledge, consideration towards others, and a peace in who they are and their calling. Thus, they fully engage all aspects of their being; knowing, and acting with practical wisdom.
Cahalan, K.,Foley, E. and G. S. Mikoski eds. (2017). Integrative Knowing and Practical Wisdom in Minding the Gaps: Integrating Work in Theological Education. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock.