A number of techniques are available to enable the sharing of knowledge. Applying a holistic approach makes a greater difference than the sum of the individual approaches.
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 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.
Reusing knowledge is faster than recreating 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 route to this access. 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 in order to deliver results, the knowledge captured transferred and reused and the communities of practice are the key elements of the holistic approach.
