Our dispositions are precursors to our conduct – whether cognitive, collaborative or
emotional – they are our starting point for our encounters with the world. They constitute our readiness – we are predisposed to conduct ourselves in a certain way – they are our propensities.

Dispositions are what philosophers call ‘intentional’ – dispositions are always directed towards something. They can be general or highly specific in their directedness.

“When dealing with … Josephine has a propensity to … ”
“When dealing with … Joe has a propensity not to … ”
“When … Joe has a tendency to … “
“When … Josephine has a tendency not to … “

Dispositions are pre-cognitive – they are before thought. They are pre-judgements as to what would constitute appropriate conduct when dealing with the world around us. They can be powerful ones we wish to retain, or unsatisfactory ones of which we wish to rid ourselves. The Mindful Manager strives to develop the dispositions that underpin quality judgement and dispose of those that hinder this endeavour.

A wise one strives for certain dispositions towards issues/problems, others, experience, knowledge & evidence and, most crucially, a certain disposition towards her/his dispositions – the disposition that is the foundation of practical wisdom – reflexivity.

As our dispositions are the soil from which our conduct emerges, they are crucially important. It is therefore paramount that they provide specific foci in our reflective practice.

This area provides you with resources than could assist you in the pursuit of the dispositions that underpin practical wisdom.