Information Is Power. Are We Abusing It?

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “knowledge is power.” Nowadays, a newer way of thinking implies that “information is power.”And it is wreaking havoc on our relationships, both personal and professional.

Ever walked into a meeting and tuned into a conversation about what is going on in so-and-so’s personal life? Or been to lunch with a co-worker and somehow the conversation turns to the personal struggles of another co-worker?

In this world of instant gratification, sensationalism and social media hysteria, I see a surge in office drama. And at the root of it all is information; some of it true, but not all of it. And yet, if one believes having information may impress their friends or colleagues, then by golly they’re going to share it.

Now by sharing that information, here’s what happens:

• Like anything of value, information that is suddenly given away to the masses is perceived to be less precious, less valuable.
• The individual who has shared the information perceives themselves as having proven their superior access or entitlement to information.
• Others now identify the individual who has shared the information as one of two things; either powerful or power-hungry. In either case, they are also seen as undeserving of another’s trust or confidence.
• The individual’s friends and colleagues begin to distance themselves for protective purposes, and may feel vulnerable about information they’ve shared with that person in the past.

Consequently, the potential for that individual to create long and meaningful relationships with his or her peers is now diminished. Existing relationships are set back or at the very least questioned. And in a workplace scenario, the team or company may even suffer from a productivity standpoint. And why? Where did this insatiable hunger for drama come from?

Information is only powerful when it is knowledge.

And knowledge about others personal matters is only powerful when it is shared in confidence and remains in confidence. A person confides in another because they trust and respect that person.

That is a real relationship.

That is power.