The End of Knowledge Hoarding

Take a look at what Guy Kawasaki does here.  Now take a look at what Kathy Sierra does here.  And most recently—what I’ve done here.  I have a question: is the end of knowledge hoarding coming to an end?

First, let me loosely define what knowledge hoarding is. Knowledge hoarding is when someone knows something but is either unwilling to share what they know—or at least disclose the source of their knowledge.  In other words, knowledge hoarding is the absence of the word how.

How did you do that?  How do you know that?  How can I apply what you know to what I do?

Knowledge hoarders are really good at soaking up knowledge.  They can also be very good at expressing what they know in an engaging fashion—but what makes them hoarders is that they don’t always disclose the how.  Speaking of—how do I know all this?  Because prior to blogging, I probably was a knowledge hoarder to some extent (even if I didn’t realize it).  But blogging and Social Media in the broader sense has a way of inviting and rewarding the sharing of “how”—if you choose to do so.  It also promotes a certain sense of accountability as we link to and quote each other and our sources.

The next time you have to hand over your e-mail address in return for a whitepaper... The next time you pay good money to attend a conference or workshop... The next time you give of your time and attention... The next time someone demonstrates what they know—ask yourself this question:  How?

Comments

[russ stalters]

Nice post David.

I am a firm believer that the more you share with others (the "How") the greater more positive things will be reflected back to you.

Like others sharing what they know with you that can really help you.

Like others recognizing that your expertise can help them which could result in business.
Here is an example of what I did to share the "How" and everything else I had learned about blogging after a short six months. This presentation was given to about 75 at the Northern Virginia, Women in Technology lunch meeting. After the presetnation I always share my slides.

“Blogs: Changing the Way Businesses Talk With Customers”

http://www.compliancesolutionsgrp.com/blog-content/Blogs.pdf

[Lori Magno]

DA:

We all hoard, but you have proof of sharing: http://darmano.typepad.com/logic_emotion/blogs_eye_view_video/index.html

Bonus points for being a good sharer and bringing the good stuff.

[DA]

Lori,

I have no idea who that guy in the video is... :)

Russ, you are correct—there is little downside ot sharing. But there are different degrees of sharing. I'm impressed by Kathy abd Guy's willingness to share specifics about what makes their content so compelling and how you can put that knowledge to good use.

Of course we're seeing so much more of this kind of thing these days—it's really refreshing.

[Gavin Heaton]

I used to worry about people "stealing" my ideas. Now I know that turning them into something is hard. Ideas are the easy part. And sharing is good for the spirit.

[Valeria Maltoni]

If your ideas are any good, you'll have to force people to pay attention anyway. And as Gavin says, sharing ideas liberates them -- we must have all been on the same wavelength last evening... look at what I posted on ideas!

The how is easier said than done. The "done" is part execution (skill, talent, story, etc., part experience -- and to a large extent, the experience of each of us is unique even when we give away the house, so to speak.

I am posting a wonderful conversation with a talented CEO today that will explain a little further about the "how".

A very stimulating conversation, David. Thank you.

[Alex Nisbett]

To my mind this speaks nicely to collaboration, and that's something that can benefit all of us - no matter where, with who and 'how' we do it.

What's also interesting is that sharing plays an important role throughout the path to participation, so if experiences are to be shared (and advocated) then what better way to start designing those shareable experiences than to share ourselves?

And of course sharing's easier if we're all doing it.

[Lewis Green]

Nice post David. And I agree. One caveat: Those of us who share do so to help others, and we work hard to give our best advice. However, just as one size shoe doesn't fit all, neither do our ideas. Every business asking for help to grow or to improve in other ways is different. They are best served with an audit and an integrated, customized plan.

[Cam Beck]

David - I did my best today to meet this standard you outlined here... Where do we draw the line, though, between "sharing the how" and deteriorating the succinctness of the central message?

[Senia.com - Positive Psychology Blog]

Wonderful post. Thank you.

[Tammy Strnatka]

I used to worry about people "stealing" my ideas. Now I know that turning them into something is hard. Ideas are the easy part. And sharing is good for the spirit.

I love that.

[DA]

Gavin, I agree with Tammy—you said a mouthful with that statement!

Valeria, I'm going to read your interview now!

Alex, I love this point:
"start designing those shareable experiences than to share ourselves?"

Yes, we need to start designing conversations.

Cam, Not sure I understand the question exactly, but I just read your "IA/plumbing" post and I think you answered your own question. I found that post to be both succinct and the way you sourced your inspiration helpful.

Think about someone who will read that (maybe another IA) and they don't know who Roger is—but they end up on his blog because you shared this. And it just might open up a new world for that person.

[CK]

Great post -- a big fan of The Share Economy and share mentality am I. I remember going to conferences 10 years ago where I was told to keep everything under wraps but to "go meet and converse with people". I just kept wondering, why are we all here if no one can share anything about what they're doing? They thought I was just naive. Likely a lot of them still think so.

Sure, many items need to be kept confidential but not nearly as many as once thought--nowhere near, actually.

Enjoyed the graphic. Maybe he can serve as the Share Economy's mascot, he indeed hits it all home :-).

[SusanA]

Nice post, and I loved the others that you showed as well. This does seem like a major trend, doesn't it? OpenSource, OpenKnowledge...
Does this mean you can't make money from knowledge alone anymore? It must be applied knowledge? Hmmm...good food for thought.