2. Becoming a Knowledge-Worker

Leverage skill, knowledge, and wisdom in every project you undertake, every task you accomplish, and every responsibility you assume. Even if you are digging a ditch, you can leverage skill, knowledge, and wisdom:

•   What is the most effective technique for gripping the shovel? Striking the ground? Lifting the dirt?

•   What kind of shovel should you use? What kind of gloves?

•   What is the best physical posture? The best pace?

Skill is the mastery of technique (gripping the shovel, striking the ground, lifting the dirt). Knowledge is the mastery of information (the best kind of shovel, gloves, posture, pace). Wisdom, the most complicated of the three, comes from an understanding of many perspectives (there is more than one “best” way to hold the shovel, strike the ground, lift the dirt; more than one “best” kind of shovel, gloves, posture, and pace). The wise person understands that the best way for one person may not be the best way for another; that the best way for one situation may not be the best way for another.

As long as you use skill, knowledge, and wisdom in your work, you are doing knowledge-work.