Sharing Knowledge

Looking at the history of military conflict or martial arts, communication has been a topic the permeates all areas of these subjects. Whether it involves organizing a response or reviewing an event, communication has been valued as both a resource and a weapon.

Imagine, as a military group or a combatant, that you suddenly are blessed with true telepathy. What advantage would that provide to you against a potential threat or rival? It would be unparalleled and hard to defeat. If communication falls into the hands of an enemy, then that information could cause harm.

The reason that martial artists' practice katas to conceal movements or military commanders use codes is to avoid information leaks. Information is precious! It is a commodity that once spent can never be returned.

So, the crux of the conversation becomes "When is it ok to share information?" The short answer is that only history can show good decision making. We only know that we have made a poor decision with sharing information when it causes a benefit or hinderance.

Trust, the nebulous and intangible figure always slips in and out of our relationships. I think in martial arts, I liken communication and trust in terms of relationships with the many students that have come through my dojo doors over the years.

As a martial arts instructor, I have taught many people the basics of self defense and share a rudimentary knowledge of my arts. The focus of this communication has been to impart a necessary life and survival skill. But, if misused, this information could cause harm and create a menace in its advanced capacity. Like many other martial artists, I am very protective of more specialized knowledge and reserve that information for individuals who have shown continued competency, integrity and benevolence over a long period of time.

But, even then, sometimes trust is broken and communication has shown a poor result. So, I refine my approach to how and who I share information even more than before. I believe that this is how an individual grows in better communication. My statement regarding anything that I give in life is "Invest where you see return." I share based on another sharing of his or herself. I answer good communication with more good communication.

In the end, what happens to the information that we share? I believe that it takes on a life of its own. I believe that it grows into a greater entity. It sometimes grows more true or it becomes something less like its original form. But, the initial communicator must realize that once it leaves the mouth or keyboard, it takes on a life of its own.

So, in essence, communication is always changing even after the conversation or discussion has ended. The message keeps on growing. Information never remains the same unless it is kept solely by one individual.

How can we be better in communication? I think we have to develop better judgment and understanding of the pragmatic effects of our words. What we say, no matter how minor, has power. We need to show great wisdom in using that influence.

Also, it is important to remember that communication is never absolute. It is always a reflection of our viewpoint. It is a shared part of our experience. It is shared and the addition to it over time comes from those who impart their viewpoint/experience to the message. Please be mindful, ownership is revoked when a message is given. Gifted or cursed, a message moves on to a new host after conversation.

I hope that all of your communications are positive. "Invest where you see return!"

The M.A.D. Dad