O’Dell and Grayson describe knowledge management as follows:

“A conscious strategy of getting the right knowledge to the right people at the right time and helping people share and put information into action in ways that strive to improve organisational performance.”

I believe that we often take knowledge management for granted. We know what we know and, in many cases, aren’t really acutely aware of exactly how much knowledge we do have. It’s up to you as a manager to familiarise yourself with the knowledge management cycle so that you always know where the right knowledge can be obtained in order to deal with any given situation.

The knowledge management cycle consists of four main features:

• The creation of knowledge – through acquisition or research;
• The adoption of knowledge – knowing the knowledge exists and determining what to do with it;
• The distribution of knowledge – sharing the knowledge you’ve obtained with the appropriate parties; and
• The review and revision of knowledge – reviewing your knowledge base regularly to weed out information that is no longer relevant while adding new information.

You’re in charge of the knowledge management cycle. It’s your responsibility to make sure that everyone on your team has access to the knowledge or information he or she needs to succeed.

Today I’d like you to take a step back and think about the vast amounts of knowledge you have available to you. What members of your team have specific knowledge-based assets? What members need help gaining access to additional tools? Is there anything you can do to enhance their work experiences and, in turn, the overall performance of your team?

Thanks again,

Sean

Sean McPheat
Managing Director
MTD Manager Training

Click below for a:
FREE email course “Improve Your Management Skills”

Your success as a manager will depend in part on your mindset concerning knowledge and the way it is handled.

When happens when you obtain new knowledge? Do you keep it to yourself or share it with others?

There are four things – we’ll call them fundamentals – you need to remember about knowledge, whether it’s intellectual or in some other tangible form:

• Knowledge is never scarce. Knowledge is abundant. In many cases it is just waiting to be discovered.
• The best thing you can do with knowledge is share it. Hoarding knowledge is useless.
• People are the most valuable resource you can have on your side. They’re the ones that hold all the knowledge you’ll ever need.
• Knowledge is gained through experience and learning.

Knowledge is intangible. The words out of your mothers mouth as you were growing up were words of knowledge. The articles in the newspaper today were a result of someone’s knowledge and hard work. The memo that landed on your desk this morning contained a sampling of someone’s knowledge.

You’re now in charge of making sure that the knowledge you have and come in contact with is shared with the people who need it most. Do you have a plan for making sure that happens effectively? Think about it.

Thanks again,
Sean

Sean McPheat
Managing Director
MTD Management Course

Click below for a:
Free email course “Improve your Management Skills”

Over the course if your management career you’re going to meet a variety of different people. Each will be similar in some ways but they will also each have a different level of knowledge. Some people have areas of specialty while others are generalists. In order to manage the knowledge of those on your team, and the knowledge you will all encounter, you’ll have to keep certain essential features in mind.

First, you’ll need to have methods for capturing the most important knowledge and information your team encounters. This means sending the right person to training classes and meetings; having excellent documentation systems; and even providing quality continuing education classes.

If a team member brings a piece of information or knowledge to the table you’ll need to find ways to validate the information not only to ensure that it is accurate, but to make sure it is still relevant as well. Something that is “correct” may not necessarily be “timely.”

As a manager it is your responsibility to determine what type of information you need and when it is needed. Do you need to include certain people at different stages of a project so that they can add their skills and expertise? Do you need to send someone to a particular conference in the spring because of an upcoming project?

Finally, remember that knowledge is power but too much knowledge is useless. The internet has made accessing knowledge and information incredibly easy. It’s your job to figure out how to sort through all of the information you receive to determine how much you really need.

Handle the knowledge and information your team has to offer efficiently and you’ll find yourself in the position to do great things. Mishandle that information and you’ll find yourself swamped in a sea of confusion!

Thanks again,
Sean

Sean McPheat
Managing Director
MTD Management Training

Click below for a:
Free email course “Improve your Management Skills”