Sharing knowledge is one of the drivers of happiness at work. By sharing our findings from magazines, blogs, or business books, we help others. It demonstrates that we are confident or aren’t threatened by our peers. It may demonstrate that we’re committed by keeping up on the latest information.

Share magazine articles or blog pots
I learned to share articles at work at my first job after my MHA program. I used to get copies of an article from my boss (as did my team mates) with a little Post-It note that said something to the effect, “I thought you might find this interesting for your job.” I appreciated the tip, but mostly I appreciated the thoughtfulness of the act itself. My boss took time to copy the article, write a little note on the copy, and then put it in my mail box. I was impressed. How can you share a little bit of thoughtfulness with friends or colleagues at work by sharing articles of blog posts?

Share business books
Business books are the best things to share with people. If you read a great book, recommend it. However, if you have a competitive work environment, then don’t recommend it. Don’t show people how you develop the tools for your black box. Most of the time, we should share books because it helps other people with their job, which is good for the company; therefore, it’s good for you.

Software or other tools
I’ll share some of my productivity secrets too. For example, I share one of my creativity tools, a mind-mapping software, if I realize that person would not figure it out on their own. I have even shared my black box approach in creating new creating departments, programs, or products. I did this because I knew the approach would help my colleague out as he was thinking through scaling his departments. Did he use my approach? No, but it gave him ideas on how to structure jobs, job functions, and responsibilities.

Build goodwill, share knowledge
The goodwill we generate and build through sharing knowledge is good karma. It’s these random acts of kindness that makes us feel connected to others, so life doesn’t feel like a rat race. I would rather share knowledge at work than feel like I’m squirreling away knowledge from others. I do it because I care for my colleagues. I do it because it makes me happy, knowing they may find some meaning or new application from the knowledge that I’ve shared. What knowledge can you share that may help others in their job?

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23 Ways to be Happy at Work Series

The 23 Ways to be Happy at Work series reflects on 23 ways to help you reflect about the course of your career. After deciding to identify what made me happy at work, my list became this list. Here the are the drivers to my happiness at work that may help you manage your career:

1. Work by your values
2. Love your work, love your career
3. Decide what makes you happy in your job
4. Work can be play
5. Know the big picture
6. Walk in your boss’ shoes
7. What is the problem?
8. Try the same old thing to get different results
9. Try something new to get different results
10. List your accomplishments
11. Don’t gossip
12. Don’t react
13. Don’t worry
14. Don’t be unhealthy
15. Read up
16. Read It
17. Share knowledge
18. Mend fences
19. Be a squirrel
20. Change your workspace
21. Give yourself a gift
22. Let it go
23. Change this!

For previous entries in this series, click here.

Similar Posts:

• 23 Ways to be Happy at Work: #8 - Try the same old thing to get different results
• 23 Ways to be Happy at Work: #22 - Let it go
• 23 Ways to be Happy at Work: #9 - Try something new to get different results
• 23 Ways to be Happy at Work: #20 - Change your workspace
• 23 Ways to be Happy at Work: #4 - Work Can be Play