A Knowledge Friendly Work Culture with Susan Hanley
Oct 16, 2023
auto_awesome
Business analyst Susan Hanley shares insights on work-life balance, knowledge sharing, and the importance of reusing resources. She also discusses the challenges of being self-employed and the role of storytelling in knowledge management.
Knowledge sharing and collaboration are crucial in the consulting industry, requiring consultants to bring the knowledge and resources of their colleagues to each client interaction.
Establishing a culture of knowledge sharing involves integrating it into work processes, recognizing and rewarding contributions, implementing supportive technology, and aligning initiatives with strategic objectives.
Deep dives
The Importance of Knowledge Management in Consulting
Knowledge management is crucial in the consulting industry as consultants heavily rely on their collective knowledge and expertise to solve client problems. Success in consulting comes from leveraging the knowledge of the entire organization on every engagement. Consultants need to bring the knowledge and resources of their colleagues to each client interaction. This emphasis on knowledge sharing and collaboration is deeply ingrained in the culture of consulting firms and is instrumental in delivering value to clients.
Microsoft's Approach to Knowledge Management
Microsoft is focusing on leveraging technology to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration. They are making use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and improved search capabilities to make knowledge easily accessible to employees. The goal is to provide employees with the right information and resources in the moment they need it. However, while technology plays a significant role, it is crucial for organizations to create a culture that encourages and rewards knowledge sharing. Employees should be recognized and motivated to contribute their knowledge and expertise to benefit both themselves and the organization.
The Challenges of Cultivating a Knowledge-Sharing Culture
Establishing a culture of knowledge sharing can be challenging. It requires organizations to value and prioritize knowledge sharing as much as they do innovation. To overcome barriers, organizations need to integrate knowledge sharing into their work processes and make it a part of the organizational DNA. This involves recognizing and rewarding contributions, creating spaces for discourse and learning from mistakes, implementing technology that supports knowledge sharing, and aligning knowledge management initiatives with strategic objectives. Leadership plays a crucial role in modeling the desired behaviors and making knowledge sharing a top priority.
The Importance of Recognizing and Rewarding Knowledge Contributions
Recognizing and rewarding employees for their knowledge contributions is essential for fostering a knowledge-sharing culture. When employees are acknowledged and credited for their contributions, they are more motivated to continue sharing their expertise. This recognition can come in various forms, such as awards, storytelling, and showcasing successful knowledge sharing efforts. It is vital for organizations to create an environment where knowledge sharing is valued, celebrated, and seen as integral to individual and organizational success.
Susan Hanley is a business analyst and information architect specializing in the design, development, and implementation of successful knowledge management, collaboration, and intranet solutions based on SharePoint and Microsoft 365. She is a Microsoft M365 Apps and Services MVP and the co-author of the Essential SharePoint book series. She also writes the Essential SharePoint blog for https://www.computerworld.com
Prior to establishing an independent consulting practice, Sue led the Portals, Collaboration, and Content Management practice for Dell Professional Services and was the Director of Knowledge Management for American Management Systems. Follow Sue on Twitter @susanhanley.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode