>[!Directors commentary] >*In a recent conversation inspired by Loretta Ross’ discussion with Adam Grant _(podcast link below)_, an interesting perspective emerged about the pragmatic benefits of knowledge sharing. While we often frame it as a moral or ethical duty, there’s also a compelling strategic case for seeing knowledge sharing as an act of enlightened self-interest.* ### The Power of Inclusive Knowledge Networks The old adage that _“knowledge is power”_ has long been interpreted in a way that leads to gatekeeping—hoarding information to maintain a competitive advantage. But this approach overlooks a key dynamic: **the more you share knowledge, the more you increase your influence.** When you bring others _inside the tent_ on a particular topic, you’re not just engaging in altruism—you’re building a network that amplifies your ideas, influence, and leadership. Every person who understands your insights becomes a potential advocate, collaborator, or innovator who can refine and expand upon that knowledge. #### From Theory to Practice: Community Building This effect plays out in real-world community-building efforts. Organisations that expand their circle of knowledge holders don’t just distribute expertise, they create empowered networks that drive action. When those networks are aligned with your vision, they generate momentum not just for you, but for the collective mission. This principle re-frames leadership: instead of measuring success by how much authority you retain, you measure it by how effectively you can mobilise and empower others. It’s similar to the concept of _safety in numbers_—except applied to intellectual influence rather than physical protection. #### Application in Emerging Technologies Nowhere is this approach more evident than in rapidly evolving fields like artificial intelligence. As we build knowledge-sharing communities around AI tools, they create self-reinforcing cycles of learning and innovation. Each new member isn’t just a passive consumer of knowledge; they become a potential contributor, adding fresh insights, refining best practices, and discovering novel applications. **The result?** Accelerated progress—not just for individuals, but for the entire field. #### The Economics of Shared Knowledge: This phenomenon mirrors the network effects we see in technology: as more people join a network, its overall value increases. In knowledge sharing, there seems to be a critical mass point where collective understanding becomes self-sustainin—a moment when shared knowledge generates its own momentum. At this stage, the original knowledge-sharer gains more than just visibility. They benefit from: • New insights emerging from the community • Faster adoption of their ideas • A growing ecosystem that reinforces their thought leadership This is the **principle of increasing returns**—early knowledge-sharing investments that compound over time, leading to disproportionate influence in shaping the direction of a field or movement. #### Open Source Knowledge: Why the Future Belongs to ‘Knowledge-Connectors’ The strategic value of knowledge sharing extends far beyond ethics. In an era where influence depends on collaboration, shared understanding, and community-driven progress, the most effective way to lead is to create expansive networks of informed and empowered individuals. Rather than seeing knowledge as a scarce resource to be hoarded, we should view it as a catalyst for mutual growth. In this framework, knowledge sharing ceases to be a zero-sum game—instead, it becomes a positive-sum strategy where both the sharer and the recipients benefit from the network effects of collective intelligence.* **The lesson is clear:** if you want to shape the future, don’t keep knowledge to yourself—build the networks that will amplify it. --- *This is a living document in my Digital Garden. It grows and evolves with my thinking and represents my personal thoughts and opinions, and is not part of my work at IBM. However, it is part of my desire to contribute a broader conversation on how we 'get things done' - exploring the impact of tools and techniques aligned to my mission to help individuals and organisations create the settings for sustained growth.*