In observing people, I have noticed recently the stark difference between those who share and those who don’t. We recognize the presence or absence of the quality easily. In fact, we’ve likely heard or used expressions such as, “She obviously didn’t learn how to share the sandbox in kindergarten."
Sharing is generally differentiated from giving by the element of mutual action or utilization. That is, at the time of sharing something, both parties participate in the same activity or process. Furthermore, sharing involves giving, assisting and endowing to benefit others, hopefully without charge or cost.
In the realm of leadership, the question to consider is, “Why do some leaders share ideas while others don’t?” Undoubtedly, people who share find great joy in doing so. And, they realize that in sharing, they always seem to have even more to offer.
On the other hand, I have observed (without the benefit of significant research in the area) that those who hoard their ideas believe that they lose something in the act of sharing. Somehow they are diminished, have less. And, perhaps they don’t share because in some distorted sense they believe they will only have a handful of ideas in their lifetime. Thus, their "coffers" would be emptier if they were to give one away. It’s no wonder that non-sharers tend to be non-collaborators.
Not long ago, Jonathan Burlison, the executive director of an organization in Indiana and a colleague of mine, introduced me to another class of sharer–the reluctant one. Jonathan conceptualizes these folks as players in an adult version of the children’s game "Go Fish."
One can envision these individuals sitting in the game circle, holding their cards possessively. However, when another player asks one of them, "Do you have any eights?" he replies, “Yes,” and presents his cards. It’s sharing, but on a reluctant basis. On their own, they avoid offering an idea they know might help another person. But, neither do they hide it when asked. So, in the context of leadership, ideas regarding operations or organizational improvement are shared–though not freely or with a spirit of openness.
But, life is infinitely more fruitful when we share our ideas readily. As leaders, let us be enthusiastic sharers, committed to full and generous living and giving. As William Ward has observed, there are three keys to more abundant living: caring about others, daring for others and sharing with others.