Posted by Vaughn P. Fox on October 11, 2001 at 15:09:25:

In Reply to: Why won't they listen? posted by Mike C. on October 11, 2001 at 09:17:40:

Mike,
Recommend you address this problem using several different approaches; (1) the term KM carries a lot of excess baggage. People hear the term KM and automatically they tend to think of systems and technology. Recommend you educate them on the meaning of KM and then (2) be prepared to show them “how” KM can help them achieve success as an organizational entity. This action will require you and your team to have a plan capable of addressing actions and issues performed by personnel forming your organizational entity. (3) Knowing “what” they need to do will assist you w/ identification as to “how” those needs can best be satisfied in an integrated manner. If people need to share information in a format promoting knowledge they need to make decisions achieving desired results…then it is in their (and your) best interest to ensure solutions are capable of satisfying those needs. Whether you develop a collaborative planning system or a high speed widget that allows them to access anything they need is not as important as (3) influencing a shift in cultural mindset that promotes trust, teamwork and the willingness to share thoughts and ideas that could possibly promote knowledge people need to move forward over time in a direction achieving near-term and long-term desired results. (4) Hopefully you have the support of senior leadership and they realize how useful KM can be to increase a common understanding of “what” needs to be done and to ensure the proper allocation of resources are being applied to support current and future needs…and that they are now armed w/ evaluation criterion allowing them to objectively evaluate progress and to rapidly adjust, when required…all in the face of an ever-changing operating environment.
To sum up the key points made above, you may find (1) education, (2) requirements recognition, (3) resource allocation, and (4) evaluation/improvement/refinement supported by a foundation built on trust will drive points home through positive experiences, which may go a long way to better understand what KM can do for them.
If they do not see the light after you make these points, you may be a ship sailing on the wrong ocean. I hope this information promotes knowledge you need to succeed. R/S, Vaughn.

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