Classical and contemporary research studies were examined to develop a definition of wisdom and explore its constructs in human development and consciousness. First, wisdom was defined as an emergent characteristic of mature adults that is built upon intelligence, experience, and reflection and includes metaphysical and cognitive components. Particular attention was paid to the writings of classical scholars (including Piaget, Kohlberg, Erikson, and Maslow) and modern wisdom theorists (including Baltes, Staudinger, and Sternberg). Particular attention was paid to the concepts of postformal thought and fluid and crystallized intelligence. The following behavioral competencies were identified as desirable among employees and within organizations' cultures: emotional intelligence, maturity, and impulse control; reflective and thoughtful judgment; concern for the organization's social fabric; empathy, compassion, and caring; humility; significant life experience upon which to draw; and social intelligence. The following elements were identified as desired components of a development plan for workplace wisdom: (1) emotional control techniques and expectations for using them; (2) reflective decision-making skills; (3) partnering wise employees as mentors to the unwise; (4) structured opportunities to experiment, learn, and integrate new knowledge; and (5) skills in active listening, flexible thinking, tolerating ambiguity, and systems thinking. (Contains 28 references.) (MN)