in your opinion what is the best approach to learning about and practicing km?

December 29, 2009 [email protected] 1

In your opinion what is the best approach to learning about and practicing KM?

A LinkedIn Poll

Results and Analysis

By Art Schlussel


The Poll

On December 2, 2009 a poll was created in LinkedIn that asked the question:


The Questions

LinkedIn only allows one response per poll so users had to choose the answer that was closest to their thoughts

Comments were encouraged to bring context and clarity to the responses

The questions ranged from “just do it” to “earn an advanced KM degree” providing a wide spectrum to choose from


The Respondents

The poll was sent to the LinkedIn groups Knowledge Management Experts CKO Forum Knowledge Managers

*Many KM Professionals are members of multiple KM related groups

A link to the poll was posted on Art’s blog site and on his LinkedIn Network update

In all 65 people responded to the poll and 17 comments (excluding Art’s) were posted


The Poll Results

Just do it Self

Study

Mentorship KM Certification

Higher Education


Poll Results by Age


Poll Results by Job Function


The Comments Excerpts from comments

Most of the options you list are necessary, but not sufficient on their own. I chose the one option which can bring all the others into focus in a specific business context.

I find the KM is such an inexact science, and many and flexible approaches are required within a defined framework. It requires all the nuances of complex human interactions.

I really do think the best approach to learning and practicing KM is a multi-faceted approach.

A balance of formal theory, practice and application experience is essential. There is no one answer and there certainly is no "one size fits all" for every situation.

Much of this is self-study and testing…The certification route is almost the only one I would not include in any program of study.

KM Cert and mentorship, followed by common sense and just doing it. I would agree with other comments about a blend of approaches…having to pick

just one, I choose the mentorship. A blended approach is best, just like project management.


The Comments continued Excerpts from comments

If the KM community does not come to grips with formalizing the evolution track / training track, the concept of KM will be "hijacked" and morphed into numerous concepts all of which will call themselves KM.

…the ideal approach marries education with practice-some formal training in the principles and practices…followed by "doing" facilitated by coaching from a KM mentor who understands the context for the work.

…the interesting thing about practitioners of KM is that they come to it from different disciplines …whilst having a mentor is a great way to learn and practice KM, reviewing ones personal journey, and listening to/working with a range of mentors are going to be even more powerful.

…fascinating that more experienced people recommend to go for higher education, compared to younger generation who believe they will obtain practical knowledge about Km through self-study. that is a huge gap. I suggest starting with good mentorship would give you the most benefits, from where one can go deeper in the subject…


Analysis 81% of respondents favored a mentor, self-study,

learn as you go approach to KM education over other methods

Formal KM classes in the study of KM theory was recognized by many as valuable to professional growth

KM certification programs rated lowest, however some were interested in knowing what they teach and to what extent the value of a certification impacts ones career

Most were of the opinion that a blended approach to KM education and application was best


About Art Schlussel Art has been practicing the discipline of KM for over 10 years

(many more if you count the years before he even knew what KM was) and has received the Certified Knowledge Manager (CKM) designation from both KM Institute KM Pro

He co-developed and taught a masters level knowledge management elective course at the U.S. Army War College in the 2009 academic year

He has experience as a Chief Knowledge Officer, KM Consultant, and KM Program Manager, and has been published in Inside Knowledge magazine

Art’s LinkedIn profile can be found at http://www.linkedin.com/in/artschlussel

in your opinion what is the best approach to learning about and practicing km?

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