I don’t understand when people are stingy with their knowledge. I believe you should give credit when you share someone else’s work, but refusing to share is selfish.
For example, I just finished teaching a class where I gave them multiple handouts and information as part of the course content. I also provided several students with additional resources outside of class and would be happy to supply former students with the same information. All my workshop sessions include links to the electronic copy of the handout and the PowerPoint. I send coaching clients articles of interest and continue to keep in touch with them after my contract ends. Oh yeah — I publish dots every day.
I don’t see any of these actions as benevolent, but rather they align with my core purpose of helping people learn. The real value comes in applying these resources or ideas; they mean nothing by just having them. Nor does equipping others with knowledge lessen what I know; rather it adds to mine.
Make it your practice to generously share your talents, in whatever form they take. You truly do gain by giving.
