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Gone are the days when an organisation’s
entire employee-base reported to work at
the same time in the same facility, or
even in the same time zone. And with the
advent of telecommuting and alternative
work schedules, the ability to
collaborate and share knowledge is
disappearing as the worker becomes
literally separated from the workplace.
In this virtual environment, workplace
social networks are an important way for
employees to stay connected and
knowledgeable. Through them, executives
can connect and exchange vital
information about the industry, issues,
opportunities and the organisation.
Telecommuters from across the globe can
build relationships and discuss upcoming
product launches or share market
intelligence about a competitor with a
colleague. Building strong
relationships helps knowledge workers
share ideas, understand the competitive
landscape and make informed, strategic
decisions. Workplace social networks
function as “relationship search
engines,” connecting employees with
trusted sources of information and
creating a pipeline for long-term
competitive advantage.
How do you engage your global
workforce and in particular the new
generation of workers who understand how
to utilise the power of the internet and
social networks? Today’s workplace is
about Knowledge Ware with vital
information held in the minds of your
key executives and top
performers. When they leave or retire
that knowledge goes with them. Skilled
personnel are difficult to find, hard to
engage and once onboard will leave
unless you provide an environment in
which they can and will flourish. Once
an organisation has built its
foundation, the internal departmental
walls can over time become almost
impenetrable, certainly for newer
employees. Within those walls efficiency
and productivity become difficult to
measure and in large organisations
pockets of under utilisation exist.
Employees may feel trapped with little
chance of expression or wider
involvement in the organisations
business.
Knowledge Community aims to create an
environment which exists above the
divisions and departmental walls. A
place where employees can get involved,
be recognised, learn about the business,
add knowledge, connect to other groups
and individuals whilst still completing
their daily tasks. To unleash the mind
power of your workforce allowing them to
focus on the organisation’s business and
issues. This new environment encourages
participation and taps into today’s
connected working paradigm where your
workforce works beyond nine to five.
Knowledge Community aims to lower the
cost of doing business by better
workforce utilisation and access to
corporate knowledge.
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The modern “thinking” company should be
a fluid and fast moving creature in
which its workers discover knowledge and
exchange it with their peers,
collaborating with others to create
value.
(From “Mobilising Minds” by Byran &
Joyce - Nov 2006)
Most companies today were designed for
the 20th Century. By remaking them to
mobilize the mind power of their 21st
century workforces, these companies will
be able to tap into the presently under
utilized talents, knowledge,
relationships, and the skills of their
employees, which will open up to them
not only new opportunities but also vast
sources of new wealth.
(From “Mobilising Minds” by Byran &
Joyce – Nov 2006) |
