KM Problem to Solve
The movement of knowledge from where it is, to where it’s needed, efficiently, to execute business
To Where
It's Needed
Movement of
Knowledge
“Movement” means the knowledge has to be found, either inside the company in systems or the heads of employees, or outside the company. Even if it’s located, moving the truly valuable stuff requires willingness in the case of it being in the employee’s head, or, secure access if it’s inside a company system. Even if you have knowledge in a company, it’s worthless unless you do something with it - located and utilized. While this is an obvious statement, I have found heavy emphasis on developing knowledge (paying for employee training, advanced degrees, codifying business processes) only to see it held close by unengaged employees, or buried in organizational silos, or sheltered behind internal security protocols. If it’s outside the company, you need the same ability to locate it and access it, legally. There are ways to cost effectively improve safe and compliant movement of knowledge, and I share them on this website.
“To where it’s needed” means the knowledge's application must be known by those who might help. This could be movement to successive generations, or across geographies to solve a business issue.Yet the higher leverage issues may have barriers to becoming visible: personally embarrassing, business sensitive, proprietary, or involve compliance with law (e.g., a client contract with limiting terms and conditions). These can be legitimate reasons for containing issues, but aside from compliance, these reasons can be addressed. I have found these reasons cause issues to remain contained in a small circle of folks for months or years before there’s finally a “burning platform” and the issue is shared broadly, desperately, and a solution is found, often right in an organization’s own back yard. I believe there are systematic ways to lower barriers to sharing issues, in a compliant fashion, thereby fixing issues before they catch fire.
Efficiently
“Efficiently” means this application of knowledge has to be done rapidly, organically, and at low cost. The culture has to support it. The tools have to be simple, direct, and linked with standard work. I have personally observed overwhelmingly efficient, and inefficient, examples of business execution. My goal is to promote the former, and reduce the latter.
Execute Business
“Execute business” means furthering the objectives of the company, as directly as possible. That is, emphasizing the product or service, and the financial bottom line. While many legitimate supporting or compliance activities are needed, the knowledge management system should primarily tie to the paying business client, as directly as possible. Secondarily, it should tie to the support systems.