Knowledge has vast dimensions

There should not be any doubt about the old saying 'Knowledge is Power' and in fact as the world gradually depletes its resources, it has become even more relevant.

The application of knowledge in the modern world has vast dimensions. Knowledge for mere information, capacity-building, commercial value creation and personal branding are several applications commonly seen around the world.

Acquisition of knowledge has many sources with the fast tracked technology evolution and intense exposure people have today. One may argue that today, the acquisition of knowledge is much easier than what it was in the old world.

Commercial value

If I ask you why gain knowledge, I will get different answers from people based on each one's beliefs and level of understanding. But I like to get one direct and honest answer from every person, and that is, knowledge is for commercial value creation and social well-being.

Mind you, commercial value creation first, because without commercial success you cannot really create an equitable society.

So gain knowledge - market - create commercial value - ensure social well being, in that order.

My experience and expertise being in the area of business management, I have a natural tendency to advocate how knowledge can be converted into tangibles.

As employees, you capture knowledge and changes in the operating environment and their opportunities or challenges pretty fast. In response, you naturally focus on and get busier with effective application to convert knowledge into tangible value for your employer.

But knowledge itself is inadequate to be a successful man or woman. We say that life is a challenge based on the external challenges we encounter, so we end up finding solutions externally.

Pause a moment and think. See if you can recall instances where you challenged yourself or you became a challenge to yourself - instances where you created internal barriers and situations where you internalised external challenges.

The reality is that solutions to a variety of problems lie within you. But how many times have you pointed the finger at yourself and asked: is there anything in me that needs change as a potential solution to the problem?

The beauty is that challenging yourself in response to business challenges also enhances your capacity thus helping build your competitive advantages in the job market. Don't you see the 'strong business' case for you! Remember, no other power can overpower manpower.

Keep updating

Some people think that once they finish their formal education, learning stops. Nothing could be further from the truth. The world is constantly changing, as are our businesses. New technology and new sources of information necessitates constant updating of our skills and knowledge.

Knowledge is dynamic and relative. It never reaches a point of adequacy.

To stop learning is to fall behind and drop by the wayside. You must constantly enrich your knowledge and skills if you are to stay competitive in this fiercely-competitive environment.