Knowledge is power. Are you sharing so that others can add value?

As a security analyst I find that the mantra of only providing access to information on a need to know basis has a negative effect on my ability to add value to business processes. I have encountered project managers, directors and others with the best of intentions pursuing tasks without communicating their mission thoroughly.

Our teams tend to operate independently. Act first and communicate later is not a mature approach. Communications between management, project teams or support teams is sometimes restricted to a need to know basis. It seems like the only way we get a chance to add value is if a direct request for services is made.

Next comes the game of 20 questions until I get the information I need to gain the insight and details behind the request. The 'ahh' moments from those requesting services never ceases to amaze me. Once the sharing of information starts, I can add value in the form of perspective, actions, expertise or simply directing them to the correct resources.

Would you find the opportunity to add value rewarding? How do your teams communicate activities? Are you using social networking, wiki's or an internal blog?