Standing

Knowing has many different meanings.  To some, it is the acknowledgement or affirmation that a fact is understood.  To others, merely reciting or understanding a fact is not enough.  In order to know, one must also believe.  Generally, there is not much difference between the nuances of the definitions.  However, when the knowledge carries a relationship, value, or priority implication to it, the difference is critical.  Will one, with the knowledge, stand up for the value that he or she knows?  Can one, with the knowledge, defend or go into battle for what he or she knows?  Does the knowledge make a difference in the choices at hand, especially when nobody is watching?
“As for us, there's no question-we can't keep quiet about what we've seen and heard.”  (Acts 4.20) 
The company I work with is all about change, being exceptionally good at what we do, and transparency.  I think it takes great courage.  For those that do not know what this means, I am not certain that they will make it.  Being accountable is not always easy!  Being honest and transparent means that one is willing to take risk, even when one knows that others cannot be trusted.  Being engaged means that one takes on the tough conversations with an open willingness to learn and change.  Being part of a community means that what is best for the group is the starting point, not the result.  Everything culminates in how each individuals stands up for what they know the company's values and priorities mean.  The outcome pivots on the definition of what knowing means.
We are not the first to confront this dilemma.  Institutions publish corporate values only to abandon them for profits and market share.  Community groups talk of ideals while treating each other with blatant distain.  Countries speak of what is important while failing to tackle the very ideas they aspire to embrace.
I do not see idealism and perfection as the goals of knowledge, we all far to human.  I do see being intentional, aspiration, and always learning.  It starts with standing.