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Index section
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1. Welcome to Elements!
2. The Language of Knowledge Management
3. Fish Guy and Project World Update
4. Links: Cards, Conference Lines and Jobs
5. Causes and Website with Causes
6. Coaching Notes
7. Events: Leadership and Communication, Origami
8. Newsletter Notes
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Welcome to Elements! |
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The first edition
of Elements was published a year ago
with the goal of bringing awareness and sharing
information. Your feedback and actions are an
indication to me that the goal has been achieved.
The majority
of this month's Elements articles are from
you and in honor of you! Patti Anklan, a respected
colleague and one of the founders of the WIN networking
group, has written the main article on Knowledge
Management. I attended a talk she gave on Knowledge
Management and was fascinated by the maps of people
that were created from a knowledge management study,
which was based on a real organization. The ability to
objectively and logically represent how and why people
are communicating, is a powerful insightful tool that
makes it easy to see what actions can be taken.
The section on websites not only includes information
on businesses but also has information on causes and
the activities and commitments associated with them.
I have discovered, in hindsight, another milestone in
addition to publishing a year of Elements. While
ordering new business cards seemed like a nuisance, it
was not until I realized it signified I had handed out
over 100 cards in the past few months. It was a
measurable achievement against my goal of getting out
and networking. I challenge you to articulate what
milestones, traditional or otherwise, that you are
using to measure yourself and your teams. Are they the
right ones for you?
With thanks, gratitude and appreciation,
Star
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2. The Language of Knowledge Management |
The term
"knowledge management" was coined in 1995 by a
pair of consultants at Ernst & Young, Laurence
Prusak and Tom Davenport. Through their dialogue, they
were actually creating language to make sense of a
number of trends that were emerging in businesses
following the disruptive era of "re-engineering the
corporation." Companies were starting to understand
that in the haste to streamline processes they had
often eliminated key people - knowledge workers who
held vital knowledge about the company, its people,
processes, and core competencies. Coincidentally, the
reengineering years were followed by the emergence of
the world wide web and corporate intranets - vast
collections of group and project archives, documents,
and databases were linked to home pages throughout
corporations and made accessible - but usually with
little by way of overarching architecture and
conventions to make such collections truly useful.
KM BUSINESS: SOFTWARE AND CONSULTANTS
Software vendors with products that purported to solve
the "knowledge management" problem in companies very
quickly moved to enter this new market. Document
management, data mining, collaboration, web
development, portals and search engines, call center
support and enterprise information systems
technologies - to name a few - crowded the exhibit
floors at knowledge management conferences to get
their share of corporate spending on KM initiatives.
At the same time, business consultants from a number
of disciplines co-opted knowledge management language
and reapplied it to their own practices. These
consultants brought in the "soft" side of knowledge
management to balance the hype of the over-stimulated
vendors. They brought in the language of systems
thinking and the learning organization, including both
process-oriented thinking and the distinction between
tacit and explicit knowledge. This distinction, it
turned out, is vital to arriving at a perspective on
knowledge management that enables action in the
context of work and real business problems.
TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE: EXPLICIT AND TACIT
Explicit knowledge is that which is written down,
codified, expressed in words and numbers. You can store
it, index it, copy it, manipulate it, share it and
re-use it. Explicit knowledge is represented in what I
like to call "artifacts"; these are not the dry pottery
shards of ancient civilizations, but the contemporary
products and outputs of human knowledge workers:
reports, case studies, project plans, methodologies,
process instructions, customer data, strategic
analyses, and so on. This is a real part of the
business of knowledge management in an organization,
and technologies that provide an information
infrastructure that enables ready access to these
artifacts are essential.
Tacit knowledge, by contrast, is that which cannot be
easily written down. It is the know-how and experience
of the practitioner - product architects and designers,
project managers, marketing professionals - that cannot
be formalized, and is often something that you don't
even know that you know and even if you knew it, might
not be able to transfer to someone else (think about
telling someone how to ride a bicycle). If you are a
systems architect, for example, you have access to the
same explicit knowledge as all other architects -
completed architectures, an architecture methodology,
templates, guidelines, checklists, technical
specifications for new and emerging products, and so
on - but you also have your own experience and
accumulated knowledge of what works, a sense of what
might be acceptable to this particular client, a hunch
about the direction of technology. You improvise -
intelligently - using your tacit knowledge of the
practice of architecture to create a custom system
design.
Think for a moment about your own work, about how you
know what to do next as you work through a day of
reviewing and producing deliverables, coaching team
members, setting goals, and developing plans. And think
about what you learn everyday - how will you share it?
Can you write it down? Or do you need to talk it
through? How important is it to your company or your
client that you understand the methods available to
you, based on the type of knowledge it is?
KNOWLEDGE WORK: YOU'RE ALREADY DOING IT
As the language of knowledge management spread through
discussion groups, conferences, and the marketing
efforts of vendors and consultants, many people in
traditional functional roles in organizations
discovered that this language resonated with the work
they were already doing: librarians, technical writers,
database administrators, project coordinators, trainers
and learning specialists, organizational effectiveness
facilitators were receptive listeners to some of the
methods and techniques that emerged from focused
research on this new field called Knowledge Management.
Are you moderating and maintaining a web-based
discussion forum for a project team? You're a knowledge
manager. Are you interviewing subject matter experts
and writing white papers, advice packages, methods and
procedure documents? You're a knowledge engineer. Do
people in the organization come to you to find out how
to navigate the intranet to find relevant materials to
support a new project? Do you manage a document
repository? Administer a document management system?
You're a knowledge steward. Do people come to you to
find out whom to talk to in the organization when they
want access to real expert advice? You're a knowledge
broker. Are these roles or functions in your job
description? If not, are you being acknowledged and
rewarded for performing these critical knowledge
functions?
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
The body of work that has resulted from the past seven
years' of hands-on experience with knowledge management
principles provides insights into new ways of thinking
about processes and tools that you encounter every
day - setting up and managing discussion groups,
capturing "lessons learned" after a project, designing
a web site for a project team, putting together contact
lists for new projects, facilitating cross-functional
and virtual teams, debriefing subject matter experts,
and so on. If you have been incorporating any of these
activities into your work, and haven't changed your
methods for a number of years, you will find it useful
to check out some of the more readable books on the
practical aspects of knowledge management that are now
available.
One of my favorites is "Learning to Fly," by Chris
Collison and Geoff Parcell. Chris and Geoff were
pioneers in practicing knowledge management techniques
at British Petroleum. You may also check out "The
Complete Idiot's Guide to Knowledge Management."
Melissie Rumizen of Buckman Laboratories, one of the
companies most frequently cited for its knowledge
management practices, has also had many years of
experience developing good knowledge management
practices at Buckman.
For more information on Knowledge Management Contact
Patti Anklam patti@byeday.net (978)456-4175
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3. Fish
Guy and Project World Update |
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The flinging
of fish to the Project World audience by
the World Famous Pike Place Fish Monger was the
highlight of the show. John Yokoyama was the keynote
speaker who told us to "Choose your Attitude: Loving
What You Do - Doing What You Love". Pike Place
Fish have been featured on Spike Lee's Levi
Commercial, Frasier and other TV show. John told the
story of how they created a vision of the future,
one that was not based on the past. It was future of
pure possibilities, and it was inspiring. It was from
the vision that their beliefs (strategies) emerged.
The beliefs that move them closer to their vision every
day are:
1. Have Fun
2. Be There
3. Choose your Attitude
4. Make Their Day (make the customers' day)
To learn more visit them downtown in Seattle, WA or
read the business book "Fish!" by Stephen Lundin.
The ProjectWorld buzzwords were: Collaboration,
Integration and Enterprise. Detective work was
required to understand what the software vendors were
really selling. Microsoft Project now has a Server, to
help projects "collaborate" in the "enterprise".
Eroom has added more templates and an enhanced
application manager to be more Enterprise supportive.
Many of the other vendors like SAP and SA are now more
"integrated". This year the show at the Hynes
Convention Center was the smallest ever. There were
less than 75 booths and the number of speakers and
attendees was less than prior years. However, most
major project management application vendors,
consulting houses and training companies were
represented.
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4. Links
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Free Business
Cards and other Printing Services -
www.vistaprint.com
The goal is to provide premium quality printing that is
convenient and affordable for everyone. They claim to
be "shocking" the industry to the core by streamlining
and using technology to allow changes in how printing
is bought. You can get 250 business cards free from
this site. The cards are high quality. They have a
limited selection and have their logo on the back of
the cards.
Jobs -
www.directemployers.com
This is another search site, but what makes it
different is that it's non-profit. The goals are to
share best practices, create a cooperative, and to
foster long-term relationships.
Free Conference Phone Number -
www.mrconference.com
This site provides you with a private conference phone
number. You can use it to have multiple people call
into the same number and conduct a virtual meeting. It
only costs you the price of the phone call. I've been
using this service successfully for the past six
months.
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5. Causes
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I have been
inspired by the commitment and passion of
many friends and colleagues during the past month. I
hope that you are also inspired after reading about
them and the causes they are committed to.
Multiple Sclerosis 3-Day Walk on Cape Cod
Very close friends of mine, Teri and Mike Templar, are
participating in a 3-day, 50-mile walk to raise money
for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. Teri was
diagnosed with MS four years ago. It is a disease that
randomly attacks the central nervous system, wearing
away at the control a person has over their body. This
walk is her coming out statement. Most people don't
know she has MS. Teri is currently in remission with
the medication she takes. Studies show that there will
be a cure in her lifetime, but not without continued
research. Mike and Teri have pledged to raise $3,000 by
July 4th. The walk takes place the weekend of September
13, 14 and 15, 2002. All contributions are tax
deductible and a receipt can be mailed to you upon
request. Please send all contributions with your check
made out to the National MS Society. Mail your
contribution to: Mike and Teri Templar 82 Bruce
St.,Littleton, MA 01460.
European AIDS Vaccine Ride -
www.bethepeople.com
Ten years ago Nick's father died from an HIV-related
illness. Today, his father's death is fueling Nick's
interest in contributing to the alleviation of others'
suffering and despair. He has chosen to join with an
organization called Pallotta TeamWorks, known worldwide
for organizing teams of people to raise funds for
finding an AIDS vaccine and a cure for breast cancer.
Nick is the son of my friend, Christine MacFarlane. He
will be biking from Amsterdam to Paris in the European
AIDS Vaccine Ride this summer to raise money to combat
AIDS. Christine, Nick's mom, is proud to say that her
son, Nicholas Poser, will be one of those who will
undertake the 575 mile ride during the first week of
July. Contribute generously toward Nick's $10,000 goal
that will go to help relieve current suffering and fund
research for a vaccine. Donations can be made directly
on the Pallotta TeamWorks site
www.bethepeople.com
Be sure to note Nick's name and participant number:
Nicholas B. Poser, number 1941.
The Center for a New American Dream -
www.newdream.org
This website is for helping Americans change the way
they consume to help protect the environment, enhance
quality of life, and promote social justice. The
website has tips for parenting in a commercial culture,
how to declare you independence on junk mail, and much
more on slowing down and having more fun! Try their
consumption quiz.
Citizens Advocacy Group Online -
www.moveon.org
MoveOn helps busy people be effective citizens. Move
On is committed to broadening participation to counter
the influence of moneyed interests and partisan
extremes. They offer online advocacy campaigns and
regular updates on issues of importance to you.
Current headline issues for MoveOn are Enron
accountability and peace in the Middle East.
Long Distance phone service and support a cause -
www.workingassests.com
This site offers long distance phone service and a
credit card that makes it easy for you to support
causes you care about. By using their services
customers can generate donations, 1% for progressive
nonprofit groups, just by doing what they do everyday.
You can pick the causes you want to contribute to.
Their bills are very informative; they are now offering
a special where you get a monthly coupon for Ben and
Jerry's ice cream. Best of all, it does not cost a
penny more. The contribution rate is 1% for phone
bills and 10 cents for each purchase on the credit
card.
Consumer Actions for Responsible Living -
www.coopamerica.org
You are provided with many practical steps for using
your consumer and investor power for social change.
Some of the information found here is a green pages
directory of local businesses, how and who is behaving
with corporate responsibility, and responsible living
guidelines and socially responsible investing financial
guidelines.
Investment Guidelines for Socially Responsibility -
www.socialinvest.org
You are offered a guide to help you put your dollars to
work to build healthy communities, promote economic
equity, and foster a clean environment. The website
has return and performance information and investment
options. It also helps determine which investments are
right for you.
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6. Coaching Notes
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A. Here's a
compilation of what many of my clients are
saying about coaching:
"I know how to do it, what I should do, have read about
it or taken a course. Coaching helps me apply it to
everyday situations through role playing, projecting
the future and trying 'what if's' out in a safe,
challenging and comfortable conversation."
"It's an affordable way to provide customized training
that works for my situation for my managers."
"The insights, resources and new perspectives that we
discover are amazing!"
B. Free Coaching
As part of my ongoing Coaches training, I am looking
for two volunteers to "practice" coach. It consists of
one hour on the phone and you can pick the topic of
your choice. The available hours are:
Saturday, June 29 - anytime between 7-9pm
Saturday, July 27 - anytime between 7-9pm
Call me if you are interested or have questions.
C. Group Coaching
Group Coaching is a fun and dynamic way of providing
focus and learning for any group of 2-8 individuals
with a common purpose!
Why Group Coaching?
-Inspiration from others
-Structure, accountability and support
-Deepen and develop long-term relationships
-Learning and progress towards your purpose
-Affordable alternative to individual coaching
-Many resources
-Experienced coach ready to partner with you
-Facilitator to who will keep the group focused.
What do you need to do?
-Invite and gather the individuals together
-Declare what the similar focus will be
-Examples of group participants are: Managers, Job
Seekers, Independent Business owners, people Balancing,
Work/Life issue, Career Changers.
-One person is designated as the coordinator
What is it?
-Initial 2-hour group discovery and goal setting
meeting
-Two one-hour group meetings a month
-Two 30-minute individual coaching calls a month
-Resources, worksheets and exercises are supplied as
needed and requested by the group
-Every three months a meeting is held to review the
group's progress
Contact me and we can talk about this type of coaching
and participation. Group and individual references are
provided as needed.
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7. Events
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IProject
Leadership and Communication
I will be teaching, "Project Leadership and
Communication" this summer at Boston University as part
of the International Graduate Certificate in
Project Management. If you are interested in the
program see:
www.bu.edu/global/Diploma/project_management
Each night there are different topics such as: Leading,
Teams, Conflicts, Negotiating, Presentations, and
Commutations. They are available as independent
modules that can be customized for your company and for
projects. The philosophy used throughout all the
seminars is that a successful manager must be a good
leader and communicator. Leaders must develop their own
authentic style. By learning various theories, reading
case studies, and doing exercises, the participants
will become more aware of what their style is and can
be.
LOG (Littleton Origami Group) meeting notice.
There are origami exhibits this month at three area
libraries: - Groton, Pepperell, and Tewksbury.
The agenda is:
Charlotte Feldman will teach the creation of a
beautiful origami flower that she showed off at last
month's meeting. A discussion on teaching origami will
also be held at the Peabody Essex Museum. If you would
also like to teach at this month's meeting, please let
me know. As usual, please bring any origami you want
to share, show off, teach or need help with. The
meetings are free (no dues), but please bring paper to
fold with.
When: Tuesday, May 28, 2002, 7:00 - 9:00 pm.
Where: Reuben Hoar Public Library, Shattuck Street,
Littleton, MA Large meeting room downstairs
Telephone: (978) 486-4046
Dennis Brannon, dennis.brannon@hp.com,
978-506-6363 (daytime)
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8. NEWSLETTER NOTES
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Elements May
2002
Written by: Star Dargin
Edited by: Ruth Gleba, gleba@aol.com
Advertising will be accepted.
Contact Star for rates at:
stars@stardar.com
Personal submissions will only be published with
permission from the submitter, who is responsible for
ensuring rights to the material. Based on your
preference, submissions can be published anonymously.
Elements is published 12 times a year.
The deadline for the next issue is June 14, 2002
To subscribe or unsubscribe send email to
stars@stardar.com
The opinions expressed in Elements are the author's
viewpoint. While every effort has been taken to
verify the accuracy of the content, such information
is subject to change without notice. Elements is not
responsible for inadvertent errors.
Star Dargin
34 Robinson Road, Littleton, MA 01460
978486-4603
Star Dargin is an independent coach, consultant and
trainer and is a partner of Shared Learning
International: www.sharedlearningint.com As a
professional coach she collaborates with individuals
and teams to provide focus and balance in achieving
personalized results. As a consultant, she specialized
in bringing software methodologies and project
management to life for business, teams and
individuals.
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