Leadership Reminder: Lead Through Knowledge

Great leadership isn’t just about decision-making or strategic vision; it’s about cultivating and sharing an extraordinary resource: knowledge. Unlike physical possessions that can fade or be taken away, knowledge is uniquely yours—it’s the one asset no one can ever take. However, its true power lies not in holding it close but in using it to empower others. The journey of acquiring knowledge is lifelong, but its greatest impact comes from how we pass it on.

A Legacy of Shared Wisdom

As leaders, we carry a dual responsibility: to continuously seek knowledge and to serve as guides, ensuring what we learn benefits those around us. Sharing knowledge isn’t simply about transferring information; it’s about unlocking new ways of thinking, sparking curiosity, and enabling others to discover their potential.

The act of sharing knowledge builds confidence and strengthens the foundation of any team or organization. When leaders foster an environment where learning is celebrated, it creates a culture that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and progress.

Throughout my career, I’ve learned that sharing knowledge isn’t just about disseminating facts, it’s about creating opportunities for understanding, growth, and trust. The power of even the smallest insights can transform not only the individual but the team as a whole.

Knowledge builds confidence, confidence builds competence, and competence is what creates great leaders. Pursuing knowledge requires discipline, especially in today’s distraction-filled world where instant gratification often takes precedence. It takes intentional effort to carve out time for meaningful learning, but the rewards - a deeper understanding, stronger leadership, and lasting impact - are well worth it.

There have been moments when I, too, have chosen the phone over gaining new knowledge. But I’ve found that staying committed to learning and sharing knowledge is one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership. It requires focus, intentionality, and a recognition that every piece of knowledge gained adds to your ability to contribute meaningfully to your team and community.

More importantly, leadership is about modeling this commitment. It’s not enough to simply hold on to what you’ve learned. Gatekeeping knowledge hinders collective progress. By openly sharing insights, no matter how small, we lead by example, making knowledge accessible and creating opportunities for others to grow.

The Power of a Small Insight

Sometimes, the smallest pieces of shared knowledge can have the most significant impact. I remember my first business trip in my current role. As a retired infantryman, I was stepping into an unfamiliar world of trailers, cabinets, and workbenches. I was eager to learn everything I could, but I quickly realized there was so much I didn’t know.

In one casual moment, my boss shared a simple trick: "You can estimate the size of a trailer by counting the side panels, which are about four feet wide each." That little nugget of knowledge, which probably seemed insignificant to him, made a world of difference for me. It was a quick way to orient myself in a new environment and gave me the confidence to perform better in my role.

That moment taught me the value of sharing even what might seem like minor insights. You never know how much impact a single piece of knowledge might have on someone else’s journey.

Becoming deliberate about sharing your knowledge starts with awareness and intention. First, recognize that everyone on your team is at a different stage in their journey. Tailor your approach to meet them where they are.

Engage in conversations where you actively listen and identify gaps in understanding. Knowledge-sharing doesn’t have to be a formal process, it can happen in everyday moments, during casual discussions, or in response to a quick question.

Don’t wait for the "perfect" moment to share what you know. Make it part of your routine to impart small insights whenever possible. At the same time, be open to learning from others, regardless of their rank or role. The best leaders understand that knowledge flows both ways.

Most importantly, create an environment where sharing knowledge is encouraged and celebrated. When team members see that you value and act on what you’ve learned, it inspires them to do the same.

I Leave You with This

Gaining knowledge isn’t a destination or end point; it’s a continuous journey that shapes who we are as leaders and individuals. The responsibility to grow and share knowledge within our spheres of influence is a privilege, and it’s one of the most impactful ways to leave a lasting legacy.

When you commit to learning and sharing, you not only empower those around you but also inspire growth and progress that reaches far beyond your immediate circle.

Take a moment to reflect on how you approach the pursuit of knowledge. Are you deliberate about sharing what you’ve learned? Are you encouraging those around you to embrace their own journeys?

By embracing the enduring power of knowledge, we ensure that its impact reaches far beyond us; transforming teams, communities, and organizations for the better.