Beyond knowledge management to better management
In a world of fierce competition, it's marvelous to hear of instances of active cooperation and collaboration that make a positive difference in the lives of others. During this National Pro Bono Week, I've been learning more about the truly impressive work of a nonprofit organization call Pro Bono Net. This innovative, award-winning organization uses... Continue Reading →
Collaboration is like motherhood and apple pie. Who will publicly say that it's a bad thing? Nevertheless, many knowledge workers have private work habits that inhibit collaboration. Further many of their organizations don't do enough to change these behaviors. Why? In many cases, because they have not yet realized the enormous benefits that can accrue... Continue Reading →
Every group has its mantra. "Four legs good, two legs bad" helped underscore the proper social and political order in Animal Farm. For proponents of social media behind the firewall, the mantra has been "Collaboration good, silos bad." Like motherhood and apple pie, collaboration is one of those things it's hard to criticize -- until... Continue Reading →
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it ... collaborate. That was my initial reaction when I read Michael Sampson's post, Who Owns "Collaboration" in Your Firm? He describes ownership of collaboration in the following ways: has the responsibility for analyzing work processes and recommending ways of improving those through collaboration... Continue Reading →
Persistence pays ... when applied correctly.We all know someone who just keeps at you like a battering ram until you throw up your hands and agree to whatever they are asking. This application of persistence is not dissimilar to the modus operandi of many three-year olds. It may provide short-term benefits, but it invariably takes... Continue Reading →
A recent New York Times article touted the benefits of collaborating to innovate. Debunking the myth of the lone genius who creates in solitude, the article suggests that the best innovation comes about through collaboration -- where many people and perspectives intersect to create and refine ideas. However, it isn't enough just to put a... Continue Reading →
In my prior post on Culture and Technology, I talked about the need to match carefully the social media tools you are offering in your law firm knowledge management program with the organizational culture of your firm. Now we need to go a little deeper. Many discussions on this topic treat collaboration in a binary... Continue Reading →
A large number of professionals in knowledge management appear to have drunk the kool-aid regarding the value of collaboration. And now, collaboration is the latest buzzword tripping off the tongues of academics, activists, reformers, consultants and web 2.0 vendors. That many people can't be wrong, can they?Perhaps it's time each collaboration advocate put their money... Continue Reading →
It's cloudy today here in New York City. Even though the sky is not the bright, sparkling, optimistic blue it was early in the morning of September 11, 2001, there are plenty of other reminders of the events of that day.In the aftermath of 9/11, we learned that the government in fact had much of... Continue Reading →
Basic web 2.0 allows us transparency, a window into another's life. Multiplied over many people, web 2.0 helps them connect with each other and strengthen an existing or emerging social network. Providing these connections is helpful, but it isn't collaboration. True collaboration is more than just getting along. It's working together towards a common goal.... Continue Reading →
Above and Beyond KM 