It's a Four Letter Word

Knowledge is power. Isn't it? We've always heard that is so. What does it mean? What constitutes knowledge and what kind of power does it hold?

Let's unpack the word KNOW and see what we find there.


K - Knowledge is a key to something powerful. I looked up the meaning of key. It's for opening that which was locked. It also means something explanatory, as in a key concept or idea and is part of a reference system. In the world of music key refers to tonality or pitch. Doesn't what we know - or don't know - set the tone or pitch of our thinking, perceptions, and attitudes?

N - Knowing is the ability to put a name to what we know - to directly appoint or
identify it. A name is a descriptive word, referring to a family or clan, It has a
reputation attached to it. How do your family and the way you grew up contribute to what you know? What do others know about you through your name and reputation?

O - There's an object of our knowledge - "a person to which action or feeling is directed". There is a two-fold objective as well. First, to have an objective as a purpose, goal, or aim. Second, to be objective by being unbiased and free from personal prejudices. How has your knowledge been gained? What is your objective?

W - We like to think of knowledge and wisdom walking hand in hand. To be wise is to possess the power of discernment and of judging rightly. Wise people have knowledge, learning, and experience. Wisdom is the power to see and choose the best and highest goal, and the surest means to attaining it. How do knowing and wisdom partner up for you? Are you able to be unbiased and judge rightly? Where would you like to gain knowledge and wisdom?

I have asked you several questions. I recently read an article about the value of inquiry. The author's query was about our children. Are we teaching them to ask questions, to gain knowledge, to become wise? Or are we teaching them that there is a simple, quick answer and it is either right or wrong? As a coach powerful, provocative questions are at the heart of what I do. I say, by all means - ask the question!

This week think about what you know and the wisdom in your knowing. Then decide what you will DO with it. What's your objective? Go! That's where the power is.

Let us know what you KNOW and what you will do with it! What is the gnawing, relentless, objective rolling around in there? I am going to do some serious exploration myself in the next month. I'll keep you posted on the blog as knowledge and wisdom show themselves.

Soon,
Beth