Posted by Reilly Atkinson on October 14, 1999 at 02:40:22:

In Reply to: Overcoming "knowledge is power" posted by Hans Kroese on October 13, 1999 at 05:51:52:

Mr. Kroese -- I'm going to look at your problem in a somewhat old fashioned manner. First, there's a litle bit of blackmail in many of us & those others, saints for all practical purposes, have the power that comes from knowledge of salvation, or whatever. That is, using knowledge for power is, pretty much, just basic human nature. It's even acknowledged by the state by means of patents, copyrights and the like. Overall, there's no way to stop people from hoarding knowledge -- people can make very good livings from being information brokers, within organizations or outside.

Clearly the problems that can occur from less than timely dispensing of information, from shading the truth, from messing with someone's head are no way new. And, because up to this point the economy and the state have more or less worked -- how much and how well is another matter -- there is pause to consider that perhaps some folks have figured out how to solve you problem. There's even a term for the solutions mechanism -- sort of 90's style jargon there --. It is, "Competent Management". As a manager you are paid to get the job done. So when you encounter a problem you solve it. The best fashion that I can think of to learn how to motivate and change behaviour is by raising teenagers. If you can't do that become a Big Brother or Sister. We're talkin' people skills here -- they have been used successfully for a long time in dealing with "sharing" problems.

Another factor to consider: is there a price for converting a hoarder to a giver? If so, and there usually is, are you prepared to pay it. As in, for example, your ex-hoarder, your best employee, pouts his or her way to oblivion.

Common sense and good people skills will solve you problem nicely -- I know, I've done it numerous times.
Regards,
Reilly Atkinson

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Follow Ups:

• Re: Overcoming "knowledge is power" John Tieso 19:42:45 10/17/99 (1)
  • Re: Overcoming Reilly Atkinson 22:46:08 10/17/99 (0)

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