Practical wisdom, or phronesis as Aristotle described it, is the ability to make the right decisions in specific situations by balancing moral will and moral skill. It is essential for navigating complex, real-world scenarios where rigid rules and incentives often fall short. In dance studios, practical wisdom allows staff such as instructors and administrators to act virtuously, fostering environments where sound judgment, ethical considerations, and thoughtful actions thrive.
Characteristics of Practical Wisdom
Practical wisdom is a cornerstone of effective decision-making and human excellence. Its key characteristics include:
Context-Specific Deliberation and Action: Practical wisdom requires individuals to navigate complex, ever-changing situations. It emphasizes the importance of understanding context and making decisions tailored to the unique circumstances at hand.
Moral Dimension: Beyond problem-solving, practical wisdom incorporates a strong moral focus, emphasizing what is good and bad for humans. It guides individuals to act virtuously, contributing to the well-being of others.
A Master Virtue: Practical wisdom serves as a guiding principle that helps individuals moderate their strengths, form good habits, and build strong character over time.
Rational Judgment Over Procedures: Instead of relying on rigid, formal processes, practical wisdom involves making informed and rational decisions based on experience, reflection, and judgment.
Cultivating Practical Wisdom in your Dance Studio
The good news is practical wisdom is not innate; it is a skill that develops over time through deliberate effort and experience. Key strategies for cultivating practical wisdom in your dance studio include:
Experience and Experimentation: Practical wisdom grows through exposure to real-world situations, including opportunities to improvise, take risks, and occasionally fail. These experiences teach individuals how to adapt and refine their judgment. For example, giving your administrator the opportunity to create a picture day schedule or recital show order for you to review and provide recommendations.
Mentorship: Learning from wise mentors is crucial. Experienced teachers and colleagues model practical wisdom, providing guidance and feedback to nurture its development. For example, allowing new instructors to train and shadow alongside more experienced teachers in dance classes.
Time and Practice: It takes years of consistent practice and reflection to develop true wisdom in a profession. For example, I always tell my teachers that as long as it takes you to become a great dancer, it will take equal time and dedication to become a great teacher.
Contextual Awareness: Since practical wisdom is highly dependent on context, individuals must learn to understand the nuances of each situation they encounter. For example, if you have a rule that a dancer cannot join class if they are late, but they are late because there was an unforeseen event such as a car accident, empower your administrator to allow them to join the class upon their arrival based on the unique circumstance.
Building strong teams, particularly in dance studios, relies on fostering practical wisdom among staff and leadership. By providing mentorship, diverse experiences, and opportunities for reflection, studios can empower their instructors and administrators to make thoughtful, context-sensitive decisions. Practical wisdom creates an environment of trust, flexibility, and moral integrity where individuals can thrive both professionally and personally. In doing so, dance studios not only strengthen their teams but also enhance the experiences of students and families, building a more resilient and flourishing community.