Experience

Having known the unknown is somewhat an interesting venture.

Information is precious. Most of the time we only get general information. Sometimes, we do get exclusive information and when that happens, we will feel a sense of pride. How should we treat such information?

There are many kinds of people around.

Some really like to boast. What is the reason for them to do so? Boasting is a form of showing off. Boasting is only for people who are insecure of their position. This cannot be farther than the truth. If you observe the people around you, there is sure to be one or two of such people. Whenever they know something others do not, they will tell it out loud to everyone even though they do not gain anything from such action. It is their way of showing other people they are more superior.

People who do not know them will salute them for being in the know. People who already know them will probably just nod to show agreement but deep down within, they know the person is just merely boasting. Boasters are neither liked nor loathed by anyone. Whenever people want information, boasters are the first to look for. Whenever people want to reserve information, boasters are the last they will inform. This is to safeguard whatever we think is proprietary.

Some people are really quiet. They are great secret keepers. Whatever you tell them, they will just listen. No information ever gets out. It is almost as if everything moves in one single direction. Sometimes, talking to them can be frustrating because they will just take the input and there will not be any output for you. If you seek their advice, you will probably be disappointed. They do not care about how others think of them. They live in the world of their own.

People who do not know them will refrain from even approaching them because they are seen as strange beings. People who already know them will always go to them whenever they need a listener. As a friend, they really know how to keep secrets. There is no worry that they will even accidentally blurt out anything that is important at all. If people want something announced to everyone, they will not seek the help of the quiet because no action will be taken to pass the message.

Most people are a bit of both. We are the commoners. We are neither here nor there. This is a good thing. Because we are the norm, that makes the world balanced. If there are too many boasters, we will have a problem of not knowing who to trust. If there are too many quiet people, we will also have a problem of healthy communication. Everything is about balance and it is great that majority of the population brings balance to the world of information.

Sometimes we do need guidance as to how to determine whether or not such information is proprietary. The person telling you the information has the responsibility of categorizing it before surging anything to you. If you are not told that it is proprietary and that you should not be sharing to anyone, then you will not know which to tell or otherwise.

Secret is a great word in layman terms but proprietary is the rightful word used in the law and order. Many of times, especially when your position is higher in the company, you will be made known to proprietary information, the secrets to why the directors are making such decisions. It is your responsibility to pretend you do not know anything about it in front of your other colleagues or subordinates. Sometimes, you are privileged to join in conversations with big people in the upper world, you will get the inside story of how certain things operate, the secrets to their riches. It is your responsibility to pretend you have not heard of it before in front of all your family and friends. Sometimes, it is hard to keep secrets especially when it creates excitement or chaos.

The higher one becomes, the more experience one gets. Be accountable for your actions.

 

Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.

Rita Mae Brown, American feminist writer, 1944-present