knowledge harvesting - defeating a key knowledge risk All organisations make great play that people are their greatest asset. By this they don’t just mean pairs of hands to do the work, but the skills, know-how, expertise and experience their staff represent. Yet organisations constantly under-use and under-value this resource. They fail to harness, share and capture it during staff's employment; and panic as they realise the potential gap that the imminent departure of a critical member of staff is highly likely to leave. Knowledge-conscious organisations ensure that they can tap into their organisational knowledge. They avoid the risk from leaking knowledge by using knowledge transfer techniques such as learning processes, communities and networks that help embed the know-how of their staff into the organisation whilst the work is being done. The unaware have to resort to emergency tactics. Once they've solved the urgent knowledge crisis they may revert to type or they may then ensure that a portfolio of knowledge sharing techniques is available to be applied as people leave, as they move roles within the organisation, and also as they join. How many organisations arrange an induction process that aims not just to introduce the starter to the organisation but to ensure that their new colleagues are fully aware of the knowledge collateral that the starter brings to the organisation? Accelerating the learning curve of new staff is a substantial contributor to 'fast-tracking' productivity. Knowledge Harvesting works in all these situations and TFPL's experience enables you to develop the harvesting approaches that will work in your organisation through its consultancy services and its training programme. Both avenues are available to support you and your organisation so that you can: Understand the benefits to be gained from knowledge harvesting and knowledge transfer Influence key stakeholders and gain support for knowledge harvesting and harvesting programmes. View case study Appreciate the various techniques that can be applied in harvesting Consider how these can be applied in day to day operation and in rarer situations - relocation, merger (see case study), reorganisation, retirement (view case study) planned redundancies planning, emergencies Design a knowledge harvesting action plan and the essential process steps needed to be able to apply knowledge harvesting tools and techniques in a bespoke way to your organisation. View case study Select the right approach to harvest a particular individual's knowledge and experience, understanding the importance of their learning style - and also that of the colleagues who need to learn. View case study Be able to practice knowledge harvesting in a safe and supportive environment. View case study Realise and measure the benefits from Knowledge Harvesting programmes And avoid the last minute harvesting challenges by embedding knowledge sharing and capture into routine operations Are you at risk? What TFPL products can help? Check out the business drivers in TFPL’s harvesting grid© to see if they match your organisation’s dilemmas. Key Questions and Business Drivers Business Requirement Approaches to use TFPL products to help Is your organisation at risk by leaking knowledge? Knowledge elicitation Knowledge salvage and harvesting interviews to create knowledge assets Capturing knowledge from experts Creating knowledge domains Can you tap into the knowledge of your experts? Harvesting Know-how Coaching and mentoring - learning whilst doing - watch and learn sessions - communities of practice Learning to use knowledge harvesting tools and techniques Communities toolkit Do you want to accelerate the learning curve of staff? Harvesting process Designing and implementing a knowledge harvesting step by step Embedding knowledge harvesting into business processes Does your organisation know what it knows? Harvesting strategy Mapping existing tools and techniques - developing a knowledge harvesting strategy Developing, embedding, and implementing a knowledge harvesting strategy key contact: Vivienne Winterman, Senior Consultant, TFPL Ltd. email: vivienne.winterman@tfpl.com Save as Outlook contact