Align KM efforts with business priorities like continuous learning and organizational agility to address challenges.
Build on existing knowledge management practices, such as communities of practice, knowledge mapping, and lessons learned processes, to save time and effort while adapting to specific contexts and needs.
Deep dives
Focus on what matters
One of the key truths in knowledge management (KM) success is to focus on what matters. Organizations often face challenges such as the departure of experts, new workforce arrivals, and a lack of knowledge transfer. By aligning KM efforts with business priorities like continuous learning, transfer of best practices, and organizational agility, organizations can address these challenges. Additionally, KM programs can leverage the opportunities presented by digital transformation and strategic integration, making them more effective and efficient.
Don't reinvent KM best practices
When it comes to KM, organizations should avoid reinventing the wheel and instead adopt existing best practices. Understanding the type of knowledge assets, whether it is tacit or explicit, and any gaps or bottlenecks is crucial. By building on the wealth of knowledge management practices already available, organizations can save time and effort. This includes reusing established approaches like communities of practice, knowledge mapping, and lessons learned processes, while adapting them to specific contexts and needs.
Measure from day one
Measuring the effectiveness of a KM program is essential, and organizations should start measuring from the outset. Beyond traditional metrics like adoption and user satisfaction, KEMers are increasingly focusing on knowledge-sensitive measures tied to business results. This could include reducing process cycle time, improving problem resolution speed, and increasing innovation. By establishing a clear logic and understanding the value of KM, organizations can communicate its impact and align it with broader business goals.
Engage your stakeholders
Engaging stakeholders is crucial for KM success. Organizations should focus on the different categories of individuals, including new hires, learners, contributors, experts, and retirees. By understanding their knowledge needs and providing appropriate tools and approaches, KM can facilitate knowledge flow throughout the organization. This personalized approach helps individuals connect, collaborate, and contribute, ultimately creating a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
In this podcast, Brittnee Dixon, a research manager at APQC, and Cindy Hubert, the executive director of client services at APQC, discuss five key truths that can help you achieve success with your Knowledge Management program and transform it into a KM powerhouse.
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