Knowledge Management (KM) is a phrase that confounds many. Many companies and organizations that attempt to “manage their knowledge” fail miserably. The problem, it seems, is not so much with the concept as it is the terminology.
Simply put, knowledge management is a systematic approach to helping people share knowledge with each other. My friends at Shell sum it up with the succinct phrase — “Ask, Learn, Share*.”
Knowledge management helps people connect with the knowledge and the expertise they need.
In that spirit of sharing, I invite you to join me at APQC’s 2011 Knowledge Management Conference. This 16th annual conference will be held in Houston on May 9-13th, 2011.
The APQC KM Conference is one of the most valuable I’ve attended. There is a strong emphasis on practitioners sharing their real-world experience with other practitioners. Being able to build and strengthen connections with other change agents sets APQC apart from the usual vendor-heavy conferences.
I’ll be sharing my knowledge, and will be speaking with John McQuary, VP of Knowledge Management at Fluor on Friday morning. Our session? It’s titled “The Future of Knowledge Management: A Vision for 2020.” Here’s the synopsis:
Over the past ten years, Fluor’s knowledge management program has achieved success and recognition both inside and outside the enterprise. KM is no longer an initiative, but simply the way we get things done and drive strategic value. Looking ten years into the future, what is the next step in the evolution of KM? Using a “day in the life” perspective, this session will look at the implications and opportunities for KM in the future, with specific actions you can take now to begin making that vision a reality in your enterprise.
Working in the knowledge management realm over the past ten years, I’ve seen tremendous growth and success. Yet even with the success we’ve achieved, the opportunity in the decade ahead grows larger still.
I’m excited about the opportunity to share my passion with you. If you or your organization or company is involved in knowledge management (or considering doing so), I urge you to join me at APQC.
Planning to attend? Please introduce yourself now! Let’s begin the dialog today (here or on twitter), and we can continue face-to-face in May.
*Bonus!
For reading down this far, here a video produced for Shell that illustrates their Ask-Learn-Share approach. It’s a fine explanation of knowledge management in real world terms. Enjoy!
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