Three Tips for the Knowledge Worker
- student accountant, ACCA magazine London
- Apr 1, 2005
- 4 min read
Here are some tips that are not necessarily directly related to knowledge management methodologies but are undoubtedly just as effective for the knowledge worker:
For most of us, our value is measured by what we know and who we know, not by what we can do. More and more responsibility for acquiring information is shifting to the employee, who can less afford to depend on their employer. If we do something better than others, we are in a dilemma. Should we share or keep the knowledge to ourselves?
On the one hand, sharing and enjoying: Sharing knowledge expands and enlarges it. Under ideal conditions, sharing strengthens rather than destroys our position. The likelihood that we will be able to transfer all we know is low. Therefore, as long as there is a reward and a good chance that the recipient will return for more information, sharing knowledge can benefit us by establishing our reputation as an "expert."
On the other hand, sharing and paying the price: According to the cliché, knowledge is power. Therefore, if the work environment sees an employee as a short-term asset, it is advisable to be careful about sharing knowledge as it will weaken our position and strengthen the position of others. Sharing knowledge can leverage us but also trap us in a position of bearing great responsibility without backup. Hiding what we know is frustrating. That's why finding an employer who will encourage celebrating rather than hiding our abilities is important.
Here are 3 tips on how to become a better knowledge worker:
Learn to Listen
Developing listening skills strengthens connections with colleagues and customers. By listening, we can show our conversation partner that we value their opinions, contributing to a harmonious work environment.
There are several ways to demonstrate listening:
Eye contact: Looking at the speaker rather than other things (computer, door) gives a sense of interest in their words.
Acceptance: Nodding, smiling, and asking questions at the right moments help show that you are following and interested in the conversation.
Taking notes: Gives the speaker a feeling that their words are important. However, this should not come at the expense of eye contact.
Reflection: Repeating what the speaker said or their intention shows attentiveness to both their words and their message.
Listening can be active (asking questions and reflecting) or passive (not interrupting the speaker but giving encouragement through non-verbal cues). Both methods are effective, but you need to know when to use each one according to the circumstances. Generally, passive listening combined with some reflection and questioning is most effective.
Giving the speaker a sense that their words have been internalized helps them feel valued. Pay attention to these things in your next conversation, and don't be afraid to ask someone you trust for feedback on your listening skills.
How to Run a Meeting Properly?
Have you been asked to lead a meeting for the first time? Here's how to do it effectively:
Remember the good and bad meetings you've attended. Write down things you liked and things you didn't.
Make sure everyone understands the meeting agenda and has all the necessary information.
Ensure you are familiar with the materials discussed in the meeting.
If you know the participants, think about how they will react to the topics and prepare responses for them in advance.
If all participants are new, do some research on their backgrounds.
Ensure decisions are made and documented.
Plan the meeting so that:
There is time at the beginning for introductions.
There is a refreshment break (for meetings over an hour).
There are refreshments; people remember meetings positively if they leave with good taste...
Try to end the meeting early...
Keep the conversation moving, and don't allow debates to stray or extend beyond what's desirable.
If a participant has difficulty agreeing with the majority, offer to continue the conversation privately at a more appropriate time.
Ensure that all attendees feel they have had their say as much as possible.
How to Leave a Job?
Got a new position? Found a new workplace? Congratulations!! Here are some tips before you leave your old job:
Never leave a job on bad terms: None of us think we might need our connections again, but we shouldn't rule it out. Make sure that when you leave, you leave the door open for a return. Who knows? You might need it.
Be careful what you say: Avoid saying negative things about the company or other employees in public or personal farewell messages. It makes everyone uncomfortable, making you appear bitter and ungrateful. It's best to simply say it's time to move on...
Don't slack off: As tempting as it is to slack off during your final days, remember that this is the last impression people will have of you. If you find yourself working with the same people or in the same role in the future, you could face significant embarrassment. Poor performance in your final days could severely hurt your chances of returning or advancing if your plans don't go exactly as you envisioned.
And if you do return to your starting point: If you find yourself returning to your old role, don't look at it as a step backward. See it as another opportunity to do the job better and in a new way. Reassess the role and the options available, try to set a new goal, and direct yourself toward achieving it.
You can use your time outside the company to your advantage. Give your colleagues the impression that you've acquired a new approach and learned something new, but be careful not to give the impression that existing work methods are outdated.
Some of the reasons that made you want to leave the previous time probably still exist. Think about ways to solve them to prevent bitterness later. If you fix things initially, you'll enjoy your role again and take another step toward your advancement.
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