A few years ago I was presenting a workshop to an executive team of a prominent investment bank. At that time, the banking industry was on a high... as was I. To a degree, having been almost conditioned to provide my knowledge and expertise sparingly, my style was to adhere to the brief specifically. So if I was asked to present a workshop about Communication, I'd do that and nothing more. When I say nothing more, I mean although my intuition would prod me to expand, perhaps even veer off course, I'd stick to the brief.
I shared what was becoming a dilemma with a business colleague. I said that part of me was concerned about giving too much away, while another part didn't want to either confuse or seem unfocused. He asked which was I most concerned about - I said, 'To be honest, giving too much away'. My colleague said, 'Malcolm, give loads away, there's much more where that came from'. He was so right. Often, in the corporate arena people are closed, single minded and reluctant to show too much empathy or offer real help. In part, this is a combination of fear: conveying weakness, or concern about giving to much away to the competition.
I can't speak for all businesses in the corporate arena. Of course there are exceptions, I've worked for some. In my opinion, they are few and far between. To a degree, having spent 22 years working in the corporate business world, some of the cultural rituals and habits had rubbed off on me. One being, keep valuable information close to your chest. I'm not one for holding back, however, I was. Being advised to give it away, knowing there's much more from whence it came, was a great relief. It was if a burden had been lifted. So much so, I continue to allow my intuition to play a significant part in my work.
I'm not saying I don't have boundaries - I do. My boundaries are usually centred on keeping my ego in check, not getting too personal and not talking too much about myself. Giving stuff away tends to bolster one's self confidence, engender higher self esteem and buoy self belief. I'm not saying over estimate the personal power that giving it away has, I am saying don't underestimate how effective it can be. Generosity is often misunderstood, some people see it as a weakness, something that is used as a way of schmoozing.
My point is this - think of sharing your knowledge as being a way to improve, guide and enable others to improve their lives. By doing so, as if by osmosis we improve our lives. Being able to guide others is a privilege. And more importantly, why wouldn't you want to be of service to others?
Some tips:
Give it away, knowing there's much more where that came from.
Don't hold back.
Be generous.
The more we give, the more we get.
Allow intuition to play a part in your life.
Learn to trust yourself.