What is the first question you ask a new acquaintance, after asking their name? Most would answer: what do you do for a living? The answers to this trivial question are usually equally trivial and repetitive. However, when my colleagues and I answer this question the answer usually comes as a surprise.This article's objective is to introduce Knowledge Management (KM) to readers unacquainted with the field and its importance without making use of the field's usual taxonomy, such as: mapping, accessibility, implementation, characterization, etc.
Hereby are some questions that can show how each one of us is an unaware knowledge manager:
Have you ever made lists: shopping lists, to-do lists, idea lists, etc.?
Have you ever organized your desktop, closet or even fridge logically so that items will be detected quickly when needed?
are your Facebook wall's pictures sorted into albums, categorized by events or themes?
So, what is Knowledge Management simply put without relying on preexisting definitions?Knowledge Management begins with detecting a need or feeling that we have too many items/data that requires organization. This organization ensures us order and in turn allows us to detect important information more quickly. Superfluous information and countless thoughts, ideas, and tasks accumulated throughout every day lead to another need; documenting and retaining this data so that nothing important is forgotten. Now that the needs were identified, the next step is to offer solutions; how can we organize and document data and information?
We then think of the various tools available to us, such as lists, albums, folders or closet shelves; the solution most appropriate for their settings and preferences is then selected and implemented.While this description resembles organizational Knowledge Management, KM is a methodological process that includes additional components. This example was merely an explanation of one KM component, namely accessibility; that was just a sample of a rich world of solutions, tools, methodology, creativity and innovation. As you might have deduced from the questions listed above, most of us manage our knowledge and need it greatly in an internet age of data overload; this is especially true since time has become a resource as valuable as money. Organizing and documenting data provides us with a sense of security, since we know that our time is well
spend and better yet, well kept.
I might not be objective, yet I still dare say that my profession as KM consultant has affected my daily routine management and saves me time and effort in various aspects. If it benefits individuals, just think what KM can do for an entire organization's efficiency.
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