What does knowledge mean as a core value?
Knowledge as a core value means wanting to know subjects properly and in depth, having the facts to hand, and drawing on what you’ve learned when it matters.
Knowing things, properly and in depth, gives you a sense of solid ground. You enjoy being well informed, having the facts to hand, and understanding a subject well enough to answer the second and third question too. If knowledge is a core value, you likely have a pile of books waiting, strong views about sources, and a quiet discomfort when you’re asked to speak on something you haven’t read up on.
What does knowledge look like in practice?
- You read the full report, appendices included, before the meeting.
- You become the person colleagues ask when they need the history of a decision.
- You correct a factual error, politely, even in casual conversation.
- You keep notes or a system so you can find what you’ve learned when you need it.
- You research a holiday, a car or a medical diagnosis thoroughly before deciding anything.
When is knowledge overplayed?
Knowledge can become a place to hide. There’s always more to read before you act, and being the expert can start to matter more than being useful. In conversation, correcting details or sharing everything you know can leave others feeling small or unheard. Knowledge also ages quickly in some fields. The mature form shares what it knows generously and admits gaps without embarrassment. A simple step is to set a date by which you’ll act on what you already know, whatever is still left to read.
Often confused with
Knowledge vs Wisdom
Wisdom is judging well what to do. Knowledge is what you know, and it’s perfectly possible to be very knowledgeable and still make poor decisions.
Knowledge vs Learning
Learning is the process of growing your understanding. Knowledge is the store itself: what you have learned and can draw on.
Knowledge vs Intelligence
Intelligence is the ability to reason and pick things up quickly. Knowledge is accumulated, and it rewards patience and effort as much as brainpower.
Questions to sit with
- What are you still researching that you could already act on?
- In which conversations does your knowledge get in the way of listening?
- What do you believe you know well that you haven’t checked in years?
More values in Wisdom
Understanding, insight and good judgement.
About the author
Matt Rutherford is a Career and Leadership Coach. The Values Finder is the same exercise he uses with his coaching clients. He also writes Stuff that MattRs, a weekly newsletter with practical ideas to help you think clearer and work better.
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