Day after Test Day
Knowledge management is very important in today's society. From the articles that we read for Tuesday, they pointed out several benefits and challenges that one faces when trying to implement the process into their jobs. The main challenge of having people openly give up their secrets at work. These secrets include ways of doing something faster, better, or just how to do it. People don't want to give up this information because they feel that once they do they will become invaluable and what made them special no longer exists. This is not true! If we can shake this attitude or fear that we have today, we will not only be benefiting ourselves but the company that we work for. As all good employees this will show the dedication and passion we have for our workplace and that we want the company as a whole to succeed. Yes, people will not have their special skill anymore, but what's to say that one can't be continually learned. If three different people had these secrets and one person was holding the piece that would but it all together, think how much faster innovation would occur. This type of state of mind would help people break out of their pillars that they work in everyday and share knowledge.
From a personal experience I can relate to one's reluctance to give "valuable information". When I did my internship last year, the company was going paperless. This was new for everyone and being new to the entire system, I found it easy to adjust and found quick ways to do something. At first I did not want to let anyone know because I was trying my hardest to look like a rockstar. After a few weeks, I decided against that and went and told a few people about this new ways. Then people started coming to me to ask questions and ask for training. So the entire worry was in vain. The whole process was initially a big headache, but once everyone started sharing their shortcuts and workaround, the whole firm was able to adjust faster and make efficient processes documented for everyone to follow. This was so beneficial to the entire firm, so rather than stumble and trudge through it individually, the shared knowledge helped the entire firm innovate its processes and become a better firm. So far in this class, I believe knowledge management (managing what's between the ears) is the most important concept we have discussed so far.