How do I protect my ideas and intellectual work? It has come up quite a bit in my world lately. But I am not sure that question is really the best one to ask. When I stop and really think about it, the more important thing to consider is whether the premise of that question is valid to begin with.

Does this intellectual work need to be protected? Do my ideas need to be secret until they are ‘ready’ to release? What exactly needs to be perfected in order to make them ‘ready’ to share?

The more I sincerely interact with and consider this and similar questions, the more it always seems to come back to my world view and perspective. Specifically, how the fact that world view impacts at a fundamental level the manner in which I approach something, it shapes my actions, and even the options or possibilities I am willing to consider.

As with most things in life, the easiest way for me to approach perspective and world view is to view it as a spectrum. One side is Zero-Sum, the other is Rising Tide. There are all kinds of great examples and explanations about both of these ideas online. So, I will not go into any great detail on that front. For the purposes of this explanation, here is how I would define the two ideas:

Zero-Sum

Zero-Sum is the idea that if you win, someone else has to loose. There is a definitive amount of any subject resource, the typical example is Pie, that can only be divided up so much. So, the name of the game is to get as much for yourself as you possibly can. This Zero-Sum perspective is also tied to or alternatively referred to as a Scarcity Mindset.

Rising Tide

Conversely, the Rising Tide idea is that when one person wins, others can win too, their success does not necessarily have to come at the expense of someone else. In fact, as one person wins, it actually creates opportunities for others to win too. As there is no tangible limit to the resource when the Rising Tide model is applied, there is no limit to the amount of gain any one person can obtain. Following the pie example, the idea is that the pie just keeps growing (or you can just make another pie). Therefore, there is no reason to hoard or take from others. The Rising Tide idea is frequently tied to or alternatively defined as an Abundance Mindset.

Why does it matter?

There is really nothing new about this, however the big shift in my perspective lately has been around how pervasive this base mindset really is as it shapes so many aspects of my life. The manner in which I view the world and the extent to which I operate from either a Zero-Sum or Rising Tide philosophy determines the smallest of interactions I have in my work and with the people I interact with.

Understanding this difference matters because just becoming aware of the difference presents you with the clear opportunity to decide which world view and perspective I decide to adopt. With this understanding, I can shape my interactions with other to live the life I desire and achieve the results I seek. Understanding the difference allows, and forces, me to decide which side of the spectrum I will adopt.

For me, the most liberating aspect of this understanding and application is the way it plays into making those bigger decisions around if, when, and how much to share your own ideas and intellectual work. Making a specific decision around whether to intentionally choose to maintain a Rising Tide or Zero Sum perspective provides clarity when I find myself debating, internally or with others, how much to share.

Conclusion

As Stephen Covey says, “Begin with the end in mind.” So here are some the attributes I have observed as a result from these two different perspectives:

Zero-Sum

Creates:

• Missed Opportunities
• Burned Bridges
• Adversarial Relationships

Produces:

• Personal Isolation
• Emptiness and a lack of fulfillment
• Scarcity in most forms, especially the things that matter

Now you might see why there are so many unfulfilled “successful” people… Maybe they gained their success at the expense of others and now they have no one left to enjoy it with.

Rising Tide

Creates:

• New Opportunities
• Additional Connections
• Giving Friendships

Produces:

• Trust and Deep Friendships
• Personal fulfillment
• Abundance with the things that matter

Now you might see why success (by all definitions) seems to flow to those who are living life in service to others…

What perspective do you choose?