Avoiding common pitfalls in knowledge management initiatives

It's no secret that many knowledge management projects around the world have become white elephants. Below is a list of several tips on how to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls. Consider yourselves warned!

1. Many organizations are tempted to establish an initial implementation of expert management. This seemingly innocent topic contains many difficulties. How do you encourage people to apply their knowledge? How do you ensure it's constantly updated? Choose a different topic.

2. Lower expectations. Don't go to every employee in the organization and explain that you've come to improve knowledge management in the organization. They won't understand what you want, it will waste time, and expectations will be sky-high. It's acceptable to talk about process improvement. It's simple, understandable, and can start small. (Of course, managers/stakeholders should see the big picture.)

3. Be attentive. The art of knowledge management requires a great deal of flexibility and the ability to read between the lines to identify real needs. Try to understand.

4. Knowledge management includes aspects of culture, processes, and computing. Don't attack the issue from just one aspect; integrate efforts. If you're not strong enough in all layers (and who is?), find partners in the organization. Focusing solely on the cultural layer characterized the first generation, while computing was the focus of the second generation. Now they're beginning to understand that integration is essential. Join and be joined.

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