Remember when I would post to this blog at least monthly - usually weekly? The reason for my decrease in posting is actually related to a very keen insight on knowledge management, and what it takes to be pirmary care giver to a KM system.
Blogging has taken back seat of late because I am busy. I am a new parent.
OK, those of you that know me personally, are thinking – “Wait,
what .. he is almost ready to be a grandparent. Another kid?” – let me explain.
Often when
I am asked “What makes a good knowledge leader?”, I tell a story about a presentation I was once
giving, when I was asked that very question. I began my response by listing attributes
and qualities, such as: patient, nurturing, good at highlighting the skills and
accomplishments of others, willing to accept the blame when things go wrong and
put all the glory on the knowledge provider when things go right …”. In the middle
of this description, a member of the audience shouted out “Hey, you are
describing my mother.” From then on I have used this metaphor. An effective KM leader is a mother: -
selfless, promoting accomplishments of "the family", is in a support role ensuring the family matures
in a healthy way.
While I have been using this metaphor for years, I never really appreciated how
powerful it was until recently. (Recall that two years ago I gave up the role of KM consultant to become a KM
practitioner at FSG.) Little had I realize that in my role as a consultant I
was enjoying the role of grandparent.
The consultant gets drop in on “the family”, bestow sage good advice, nurture and encourage while they are there “visiting”, perhaps for extended periods of time, but always knowing they can leave - final responsibility rests with the parents.
The in-house practitioner, the KM Leader, (i.e., the parent) must deal with the day-to-day trials and tribulations, keep things humming on all fronts at all times.They do not get to leave.
So, now as a knowledge leader, I find myself a (proud) parent, too busy
to blog on a weekly or even monthly basis, as I could as a “grandparent.” But,
nonetheless I am still very much steeped in content, process and knowledge
management, just on a different, more granular level. I am posting this realization now, because this week my family “FSG”
received the KMWorld KM Reality award. It was a proud moment for this parent, and the family.
Here I am as a parent - benefiting from my days as a grandparent (this is where the reference to Benjamin Button comes in - growing backwards). I seek my own strategic advice, if you will, while struggling with the
day to day reality of budgets, differences of opinion, outgrowing functionality, stages of maturity, and potential dysfunctions in the family.
Its a tough job - but a rewarding job (as every parent knows). My point here is a simple one. I just wanted to salute all the KM consultants out there for the advice, wisdom and
direction they provide, and all the practitioners for keeping KM fresh, impactful and relevant on a daily basis.
