Knowledge shared is knowledge earned?

My parents used to teach this Sanskrit incantation when I was a child. It was easier said than done, I learnt as soon as I entered the corporate world.

? ????????? ? ? ????????? ? ? ???????????? ? ? ?????????(na caurahārya? na ca rājahārya?, na bhrāt?bhājya? na ca bhārakāri?)

????? ???? ????? ?? ?????? ????????? ?????????????????(vyaye k?te vardhata eva nitya?, vidyādhana? sarvadhanapradhānam?)

It is impossible to steal knowledge or have it taken away by a king. It is neither a burden on one, nor can it be divided among brothers. It increases with frequent sharing. Knowledge is the ultimate form of wealth.

The subject matter experts may not have enough time to share knowledge, or they may have other constraints or a crippling fear that haunts them: "What will happen to me or my job if I share all my knowledge with someone else? Will there be no dilution of my critical dependency? Why would I even be retained and given a higher wage if a junior learns and does my work?"

I have pondered on this issue at several points throughout my career. I have also seen this question causing tensions among? my managers and conflicts among my directs. The topic ensues the instant insecurity about an individual's job security despite all the excellent intentions. Does it not? Here's my perspective on how knowledge sharing benefits both a person and their team:

1) In what possible way will disseminating the essential knowledge increase it?

A small example from my previous job: A team member / application SME was using a series of Python and Linux commands to finish a crucial monthly task. There was strong reluctance when I requested him to impart? the process knowledge? to another team member. But after it was finally done after multiple follow ups, the individual who learnt about it (who was an expert on Linux/ Shell / Python command lines) knew right away that all 20 steps could be reduced to 5. The application SME not only saved about half an hour on each task, but he also applied it to 2 other areas and saw a good turn around time. He shared knowledge that literally expanded upon the recommendation made by a fellow worker. It further reduced the turn around time. ?

2) Will someone else not replace me and steal away my credit if I share?

I learnt a task and completed it. I have the knowledge in safe custody now. Nobody is aware of it. When it comes to serious production issues, I am and always will be the messiah to rescue. That will garner appreciation from senior managers. So far so good - right ? However the crucial question is, “Until when?" For a month, year or decade - not for eternity! And all this while organisation is not going to consistently raise my pay for doing similar tasks. I have to grow and my hours are limited.?

I must acquire new skills in order to grow. I need to transfer my expertise in order to make time for that and pursue other opportunities. After knowing that, do I still harbour feelings of unease and uncertainty or insecurity? Then it is prudent to ask the following two questions to myself:?

• Am I content to be critical in the same area for the time being because I'm too lazy or afraid to learn new things? If so, I am gradually losing ground in a constantly expanding sector. I must share the knowledge, learn new things and move on. Let knowledge sharing and my fear be a stimulant for my will to learn things.?
• Do I not find this area interesting? Then perhaps it is high time for me to be in a field of my interest.?

Aside from these two factors, just think of the goodwill, connections, knowledge base, and outlook I will create with this ongoing refining and information exchange.

Enabling others to do is harder than doing yourself, and at some point, you might get paid more for it.

What are your thoughts around this ? Have you ever faced any challenges when it comes to imparting and receiving knowledge?

May you share this wealth called knowledge and get rich!

-Kamal