A521.7.4.RB_Knowledge Sharing Story_Wathen_Sandra

A521.7.4.RB_Knowledge Sharing Story_Wathen_Sandra

What we know is a cumulative of our information, knowledge and experiences.  Our stories have many hidden secrets of value that encompass wisdom and what we know and what we can share through those stories.  Having the ability to convey those stories to have sufficient meaning to turn our stories into something that demonstrates purpose from which the recipient can receive transmitted knowledge. 

Over my career, I have had the opportunity to gain unusual education, training, experience and skills that have provided me with a wealth of knowledge that I continually enjoy sharing.  My hopes are that those who are willing to listen to my stories will learn from them.

My story is about what it takes to achieve many of life’s successes.  You see life is truly what you make of it and what you strive for, combined with what energy you are willing to put in to it and what sacrifices you are willing to make.     It is an understanding that things don’t come easy and anything that is worthwhile takes work; no matter what it is.  It is about building integrity and self worth and defining one’s purpose in life.  Most of all, it is about being genuine and respectful of others.

Of all of my rules in life that promotes success both personally and professional is the “golden rule”.  It is a very simple rule; yet the most effective life rule if used continually.  I profess this rule almost every day either to my family, friends or co-workers.  Sometimes it puts them in “check” and causes them to reflect on their actions or behaviors.  Unfortunately, in today’s world, morals and ethics are declining – thus, becomes a greater need for disciples of the cause is greatly needed to profess the golden rule.

I find on many occasions that there is conflict or chaos that has been created by a person or persons that could have easily been avoided if they had asked the simple question, “would I have liked that if someone were to have done that to me?”  Usually if the answer is, “no”, then the question would be “why did you do it?” 

Using this rule with my sons on a regular basis has instilled this as part of their daily thinking.  They have told me that they now ask themselves sometimes before doing something, “would I appreciate it or like it if someone did that to me?”  If they say, “no”, then they divert to another solution as to avoid a compromise in their own beliefs.  Both my sons have told me that using this rule has created a different perspective on how they react to situations and also how they foster good relationships with their friends, family and co-workers.  In fact, they are now professing the “golden rule” since they have realized the reciprocal value of the rule.

One of my reflections was when my son was dating.  He was supposed to go over to his girlfriend’s house that evening.  He really liked her a lot, and it seemed they had been hitting it off pretty well.  Well, I happened to call her house around 10:00 that evening because I wanted to see if I was supposed to pick him up from there or if he had another method of getting home.  When she answered the phone, I asked if he was there.  She mentioned that he never came over.  So, I called his cell phone and he answered and told me that he was at a party.  It was a party that he could have taken his girlfriend to and also he didn’t tell her the truth as to why he did not go to her house and visit.  Not only did it cause conflict, but it almost caused them to break up.  The next day, I took a drive as I knew they were arguing, and found the spot where I thought he might be.  When I pulled up, there he was – sitting on the bench.  I got out of the car and went over to sit by him to talk.  He looked at me, gave me a hug, and said, “if I had used the golden rule”, I wouldn’t have caused all this mess, huh?”  My reply was, “if you wouldn’t have liked it, don’t expect her to!” He said, you are right mom, “I wouldn’t have liked it if she did that to me”.

From a professional perspective, this rule applies and is lacking application of it the most.  I have seen over my career so much backstabbing, egotistical and abrasive individuals that probably have never used the “golden rule”.   They are those that are willing to do anything to get ahead; anything.  I have seen numerous accounts of unethical behavior.  I have seen professionals accept appreciation for work they knew they did not do and the person that did all the work received no gratitude. 

Although they may have achieved career advancements or been recognized by leadership through under mining ways, they have failed at being genuine person.  Success is not measured by reaching the top without an enriching approach.  Success is measured by how you got there and the genuine legacy that you built along the way.  It’s when those that see you, admire you and respect you for what you represent.  It makes them want to follow in your footstep.

In today’s world it is like the old saying “it’s a dog eat dog world”.  Meaning everyone is out for themselves.  The only way that we are going to try and move away from that perspective is that everyone go back to the basic “golden rule”.  Ask yourself the question “would I want someone to do that to me?” and if your answer is, “no” then – don’t do it!