In short
The episode argues that “wisdom work” should replace “knowledge work” in modern teams. It claims wisdom—distilled from lived experience—is what makes knowledge actionable, boosting productivity, employee retention, and innovation.
Guest backgrounds
No podcast guests are named in the transcript. The host references personal experience studying wisdom for a decade and working with Airbnb millennial founders in 2013 to democratize hospitality.
Key claims
Knowledge is information you can find (e.g., Google/ChatGPT); wisdom is metabolized experience that shapes how you see the world.
Notable examples
A story from Airbnb where a founder told the host they were hired for knowledge but delivered wisdom; the host contrasts “obvious” lessons at age 52 with what younger people may not grasp.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOUnderstanding Wisdom Work
0:34 to 0:51
Learn the distinction between knowledge and wisdom and its implications for productivity.
“It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks.”
Understanding Wisdom Work
0:56 to 2:19
Learn the distinction between knowledge and wisdom and its implications for productivity.
“I've spent the past decade studying the value of wisdom.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:02Chevy is called the heartbeat of America for a reason. with SUVs made to move with your rhythm. The versatile Equinox tackles your entire day. The spacious Traverse fits your crew and your whole weekend. And tracks bring style with value you can count on. All infused with tech that has your back. So your drive always hits the right chord. Chevrolet. Together let's drive. This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome? That's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks.
0:45Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required compatibility and availability varies 18+. The key to thriving in today's knowledge industry isn't just what knowledge you know, but how wisely you can apply it. I've spent the past decade studying the value of wisdom. And in my recent HBR article, I show how moving beyond a focus on knowledge work and embracing wisdom work helps teams to be more productive, improves employee retention, and creates a more innovative work environment. So what is wisdom? The difference between knowledge and wisdom is that you accumulate knowledge and you distill wisdom.
1:25Knowledge can be something that you could find on Google or, you know, chat GBT, but wisdom is hard one. It's sort of the school of hard knocks. It's often something that you've experienced in your life and then metabolize that experience as a lesson. And then it becomes part of how you see the world moving forward. I gained a lot of these insights when in 2013, the millennial founders of Airbnb asked me to help them democratize hospitality. What was particularly interesting is a month after I was there working with Brian, Brian pulled me aside and said, I hired you for your knowledge, but what you really brought is your wisdom.
2:01Wisdom is often something that's common sense for you, but maybe not for someone else. And especially as you get older, there are things that at age 52 I thought were absolutely obvious, but they're not obvious to people who are half my age. I cover all this and give you four tips for how to put wisdom to work in your workplace in my article. Go to hbr.org for more.
From the publisher
Why “Wisdom Work” Is the New “Knowledge Work”
30 Aug 2024
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The workforce is getting older, but the number of younger workers in positions of senior management is growing. These two developments might appear to spell trouble, but in fact they represent an important opportunity: If companies can figure out how to enable the intergenerational transfer of the wisdom that comes with age and experience, they can strengthen themselves — and the workplace as a whole.
Read the full article: https://s.hbr.org/3T9s8C8
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