51. Knowledge is power.

As a young person I never quite understood the meaning of the expression that knowledge is power. I guess that I often attributed power to those people who were leaders because of their position or title rather than for their inherent knowledge. If their status was not arrived at through their own in-depth knowledge and ability it would not fit my understanding of the expression.

The true understanding of that term first struck me many years into my career when I was at a meeting of a group of 40 principals. A talented colleague that I worked with, named Graham, was making a presentation about a new approach that helped students become more effective writers. The audience was also a talented group of men and women with very diverse backgrounds and unique talents of their own. As Graham made his masterful presentation to the group I looked at the audience and they were all mesmerized by the lesson. Graham's presentation and deep-seated knowledge was delivered with such confidence and conviction that the group absorbed his lesson with awe. I had just witnessed and recognized for the first time how Graham's knowledge was power. He was the master, we were the students. His power held us in the palm of his hand. I shall never forget the moment. 

Knowledge alone does not guarantee any sense of power necessarily. I would submit than anyone who has earned a Ph.D. in any of the sciences is incredibly knowledgeable in a very narrow field. In order for this knowledge to also generate power, the individual must be able to transmit and transfer that information to others clearly and with a significant purpose. 

Anyone, in addition to possessing in-depth knowledge in some field, must be able to present it with confidence and conviction as Graham had. Oral proficiency is also essential. Barack Obama, Bill Gates and Dr. Deena Henshaw are examples who I think reflect the truth of the expression that knowledge is power. If you don't possess both skills, you will be like me, lots of babble and little substance!