So ever thought to yourself, why can’t I just search for documents, see what comes up and decide if it’s relevant? How about searching for solutions from a knowledgebase? If I could just be able to correct that solution, it doesn’t apply anymore.  How about those Frequently Asked Questions, which are anything but, frequent. I mean frequency is an evolutionary thing after all, right?

If you have ever done customer support you will know that new questions come up all the time. It’s all about emergence.

Let me urge you to explore with me...

“Shared learning and collaboration in dynamic networks in [correction –is] one of the principal characteristics of knowledge-based learning organizations” - Anthos Yannakou and Nicolas Gorjestani

So how many times have you received a link to an invaluable resource from a colleague, say on email? Personally there have been countless times. This kind of sharing is great, the only issue is that 1) this knowledge stays between the parties concerned and 2) it is not stored centrally for either of the parties to access even after we’ve cleaned our inboxes or had to upgrade computers.

What if your intranet could allow you to store these links / bookmarks? What if you could access other links submitted by your knowledgeable colleagues? You will be amazed how many bookmarks individuals collect over a period of time.  I for one have hundreds of bookmarks.

There are numerous examples where a knowledge management approach to an Intranet can assist.

•    Imagine having a list of useful commands for the IT department handy. If you’ve worked as a techie you will know how this can come in handy.
•    Imagine having an open innovation section where anyone in the company can post an idea. These can range from a new innovative product to an improvement to a current process. Often people that deal with processes are not given enough audience (at times completely ignored) in re-engineering projects.
•    In all of this the rest of the company has the opportunity to add or probe by adding comments. You could even allow employees to submit votes if you so wish, and when votes are past a set threshold you implement the idea.
•    How about uploading those monthly reports on the intranet? This would make it so much easier for those interested to get the information at their convenience without having to pickup the phone trying to find the information.
•    How about case studies? Imagine a product manager after launching a successful product writing a story of how they did it? Not only does that teach others on process but it would be inspirational too.

The other benefit is that in a matter of time employers can identify hidden talent within the organization.

What I am trying to say here is that we are missing great opportunities in how we have implemented intranet solutions.
I trust you have found this somewhat useful and would love to hear your thoughts. Please comment below…