Knowledge

Is knowledge power? Knowledge is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as (i) expertise, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject; (ii) what is known in a particular field or in total; facts and information; or (iii) be absolutely certain or sure about something. Does the definition of knowledge refer at anytime to having power? We've all heard the statement "knowledge is power." I think we should change this age old statement to "with knowledge comes the ability to manipulate those who are not knowledgeable." Think about the last time you were in a discussion about a subject you didn't know a lot about. How did you feel about the discussion? Powerless or manipulated? Knowledge is manipulation, knowledge is the upper hand in negotiation. If I know something you don't I can use that information to manipulate you into doing what I want you to do. Have you ever made a factual statement (or what you thought was fact) and then been proven wrong? Made you feel like an idiot didn't it? What happen to the conversation after that moment? You start to back pedal, you question your knowledge, and then your ability, the person across from you realizes they have you in a corner and they, depending on the person, continue to make you look foolish (not saying everyone does it).
Yes, I am an educated person and I have worked with people who don't have a formal education but they have an incredible amount of knowledge in regards to their chosen profession. I make this statement for one reason, I've seen many formally educated managers, CEO's, etc. make decisions without having the same knowledge, without asking the knowledgeable people for ideas because they are too arrogant and ignorant to understand their limitations. "I sit in the big office, I have the power therefore I have the knowledge." Aha a discovery... formal education is not necessarily knowledge,  it needs to be mixed with life experiences to become knowledge. After all, if formal education is knowledge and knowledge is power than I would be sitting in a big corner office right now.
My definition of knowledge - The combination of life experiences and education that allows individuals to live the life they choose to live.
One last thought directed to those of you who call yourself managers, the next time you have to make a decision determine who the real expert is and then go ask them for their opinion so you can make a more educated decision. Really, no one will fault you for asking, it may even earn you some more respect.
Have a great day, ask, believe, receive.