I spent some time this past weekend with a group of colleagues. We were exchanging views on the pending retirement of teachers and administrators within our nation’s school districts.
As I reflected on the conversation afterward, it dawned on me how much we all take the collective knowledge of others for granted. Every field, discipline and industry possesses a cadre of individuals who “remember when.” By this, I don’t just mean the boring reminiscences of past years, but the
honest-to-goodness knowledge that no one else knows about their particular specialty.
Sure everyone who takes over for one of these sages has to make their own way in the position. But it sure is helpful to have access to the knowledge base of the person or persons who came before. Think of the time and heartburn it saves, if this knowledge has been cataloged somewhere so it is accessible. But how much of this is being done?
Not much. The surveys inside the field of knowledge management indicate that most organizations are letting these insights, nuances, and ingenuity escape with those who retire or transition out of the organization in some other way.
This is not just something to worry NASA or the Fortune 500. It should be a pronounced concern of every organization. Think of the millions of family-owned businesses, for instance, that form the backbone of many industries. I talk with these people on a regular basis and knowledge transfer is on the mind of every one.
Yes, this has been an issue for the leaders of every generation. But now, more than ever, it is critical that the collective knowledge, insights and wisdom be learned and embraced by the next generation. Sure we’re coping with tough economic times right now. There will always be something that seems more urgent. Ask yourself:
“What don’t I know that I need to about my organization and discipline?”
“How can I connect with the people who know?”
“What’s the best way for me to access those insights and, more importantly, preserve them for all who will need them in the future?”
For a deeper exploration of this, check our free article Incoming Knowledge—Got a Clue?