Knowledge Management 2.0

Posted by jens.poder on august 31st, 2007 in Creativity , Leadership

I'm often left quite frustrated by the amount of mismanagement going on in supposedly creative workplaces. Everywhere managers are holding on to control and trying to microcontrol their knowledge workers. This is really sad, because this kind management creates an environment where it's actually really difficult to create anything worthwhile.

Here's 3 serious signs, that you're doing something wrong

  • People are holding on to their knowledge - In Stephen Collins' words... knowledge can't be conscripted, only volunteered. If your knowledge workers aren't sharing their knowledge freely, they won't synergize and create outstanding work. This has to be looked into.
  • You have eloborate and detailed processes for how to do Knowledge Work. These involve lot's of paperwork. Such managements are mind-numbing. It's the worst kind "brains in the centre, nuts in the field" management. Stop treating your employees like children, that needs to be guided every step of the way. Creatives need to solve tasks in different ways to stay creative. Instead you have to impose a loose framework focusing on the essential information needed to collaborate.
  • You're not taking any risks! - This is a really bad one. Great Knowledge Workers rely mainly on intrinsic motivation. Doing great and interesting work is a key component on their motivational score-board. But doing great and interesting work mostly involves taking risks.
  • Jens Poder
Share with others

    6 Comments

    1. elton siger:
      31. august, 2007 kl. 9:54 am

      yes 3 out of 3 , what do i win?

    2. jens.poder siger:
      2. september, 2007 kl. 7:36 am

      Hi Elton

      Hmmm... Sorry to tell you, but you don't win anything. I guess that's the point. :)

      I often wonder however, how to change the system from within. Perhaps it's possible to be a role model, for the kind of work methods you believe in.

      Jens

    3. Peter-Anthony Glick siger:
      6. september, 2007 kl. 3:00 pm

      Hello Jens

      Just to let you know that you're not alone! I am as frustrated as you are for the same reason in my Organization, and I know many more managers in the same situation.

      But K-focused strategies for the sake of innovation are gaining ground. Let's be patient and keep doing the best we can at our levels...

      Peter

      http://leveragingknowledge.blogspot.com

    4. jens.poder siger:
      7. september, 2007 kl. 8:29 am

      Hello Peter

      This is healthy thinking - and good advice too...

      I'll check up on your blog. Looks interesting.

      Kind Regards Jens Poder

    5. @Stephen siger:
      11. september, 2007 kl. 1:53 pm

      Great tips, great blog! I have only been here for a few minutes and there is so much to explore. The company I work for is also 3 for 3, so I am not a winner either. Heh. I am just a cog in the machine.

      I am excited to learn how you adapted the LEAN process to GTD, I will be posting on it soon! This is definitely going into my feed reader. Thank you.

    6. jens.poder siger:
      11. september, 2007 kl. 2:13 pm

      Hi Stephen Thanks for commenting. I'm glad you like the LEAN ideas for GTD.

      • Jens Poder

    Leave A Reply