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Email: geoff.parcell@practicalkm.com
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The holistic approach
A number of techniques are available to enable the flow of knowledge. Applying several approaches which complement one another is more effective than a single approach.
Firstly develop a culture of learning before, during and after to deliver results. Get disciplined about this. Before any piece of work ask yourself “has anyone already done what I am about to do?” Stop to reflect part way through the work, to learn from what has happened compared to what was supposed to happen. Finally, since most activities are not one time events, once your task is completed, capture and share what you have learned. It’s a question of making it a habit, a good habit!
Re-using knowledge is faster than re-creating it, so capturing knowledge in order that it can be transferred easily is important. There needs to be a link between the learning before, during and after cycle and the knowledge itself. Networks and communities of practice are the key enabler of this. Think of it as a bank where we can make deposits and withdrawals. Deposits can be made to the bank of knowledge and withdrawals made when required. Over time, hopefully, the “knowledge asset” will increase in value.
The learning before, during and after cycle, the knowledge captured transferred and reused and the communities of practice are the key elements of the holistic approach. All of these must be set in an appreciative, enabling environment then knowledge will flow to where it needs to be.
