On 19 Oct 2022, at 12:07 AM, Stan Garfield <stangarfield@...> wrote:

Today we held our 206th monthly call. Thanks to Rory for presenting, to Dominique Poole-Avery, Helene Russell, and Rebecca Danicic for joining the panel, to those who spoke up and posted in the chat, and to all those who attended. Please continue the discussion here by replying to this thread. Here are the details of the call.

• October 18, 2022 SIKM Call: Rory Huston and friends: Developing the next generation of KM Professionals
• Slides
• Recording

Group Chat

*Stan Garfield*, 10/18/2022 11:58 AM: Slides

*Retha Prinsloo*, 10/18/2022 12:01 PM: Thanks Stan.

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:06 PM: Is developing professionals just about providing curated reading lists?

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:07 PM: ALMOST 63

*Retha Prinsloo*, 10/18/2022 12:08 PM: 😁😁😁😁

*Connie Smith*, 10/18/2022 12:08 PM: LOVE the KM Program Elements list!

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:08 PM: How do we learn from each other better? Great question. but is it still mainly about reading?

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:09 PM: Lots of great video materials nowadays.

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:09 PM: But materials to share aren't the only way, whether readings, viewing videos or listening to podcasts.

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:09 PM: .. and professional dialog

*Helene Russell*, 10/18/2022 12:11 PM: perhaps also about how to point the newer people to the most relevant to them groups for discussion too?

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:12 PM: Yes...

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:13 PM: How is this problem of finding the best of the best different from any discipline?

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:13 PM: I give a list very similar to slide 9 to my KM students but it's given to them in the context of a semester-long course, so they have context for understanding the language, the issues, etc...

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:14 PM: I like the four quadrants - training, best practice, networks, professional recognition

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:18 PM: We need to standardise... but are we cohesive enough to do that?

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:18 PM: Creating a "library of resources"/curating resources is great but the average person with limited existing knowledge of KM will find this overwhelming, so KM 101 resources would be useful, organized not so much by topics but by maturity level.

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:18 PM: Is KM more like David Weinberger's quote "small pieces loosely joined"?

*Retha Prinsloo*, 10/18/2022 12:19 PM: SIKM has been fulfilling this role for me.

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:20 PM: Self-taught via resources vs. certifications vs. degrees.  I assume we're talking about self-taught approaches and continuous learning here.

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:20 PM: I agree that we need stronger institutions

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:21 PM: I am sceptical about strong standards

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:21 PM: KM is highly variable and context sensitive

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:21 PM: There are lots of KM practitioners with different disciplinary backgrounds

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:22 PM: We are building common ground and greater continuity, but I don't think we are solid enough for a "standard" core

*Helene Russell*, 10/18/2022 12:23 PM: Certainly lots of people in legal KM come from a variety of backgrounds - ex-lawyers like me, librarians, KMers from other sectors, IT etc.

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:23 PM: I think two big consolidating steps have been the ISO 30401 standard and the CILIP Chartership

*Ari Kramer*, 10/18/2022 12:23 PM: If there was a recognized main way to connect with folks who do KM work in different industries, or even a place where you can sort KM people and practices by industry (kind of like how one can use the SIKM hashtags, but more structured), I imagine that could be really helpful.

*Stan Garfield*, 10/18/2022 12:23 PM: Building expertise in KM

*Tim Powell*, 10/18/2022 12:24 PM: As a KM outsider (client and advisor), I find a vast variation in how organizations define KM.  This creates lots of inflated, or otherwise distorted,  expectations.  But also I agree with Patrick that rigid standards would be counter-productive at this point.

*Rory*, 10/18/2022 12:24 PM: 100 KM Coffees

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:25 PM: Ari, Nick Milton and I are contemplating a book on how different industries approach KM, the different constraints that guide their approaches, etc

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:26 PM: That's a subject of ongoing conversations even within individual organizations.

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:26 PM: Rebecca: love the examples: different practices when transferred can introduce innovation

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:26 PM: Diversity in KM is a challenge , but it is also a great strength

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:27 PM: Agreed!

*npjerbi@...*, 10/18/2022 12:27 PM: I think a mentoring program within the networks is useful esp for new practitioners and/or people faced with a challenge.

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:28 PM: As you know I agree - and this professional support mechanism would be a strong addition I think - I believe several of us already do this informally

*Helene Russell*, 10/18/2022 12:28 PM: Is there value to the individual in the journey of searching for your KM tribe?

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:29 PM: Helene: not sure tribalism is the right concept, sounds combative - community?

*Helene Russell*, 10/18/2022 12:29 PM: I know we love efficiency gains, but perhaps the search is an important part of our learning & development - opening people up to new ways of working, adding a sprinkle of serendipity?

*Brissan Guardado*, 10/18/2022 12:29 PM: When starting a KM program or process at a dynamic organization, what are the best practices to start gaining buy-in from staff?

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:29 PM: I've been doing KM since 1998 and I still face challenges and sometimes it's lonely to be pretty much the only person in the organization who seems to get it.  The external community of KMers can be a source of support, mentoring, peer support.  That's what these calls are about, among other things.

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:30 PM: Stan mentioned lack of continuity... new people coming into KM all the time.. what we really need is longer career spans, so that more KMers have more experience and exposure to different challenges and contexts.. that is how the core of the discipline will grow

*Retha Prinsloo*, 10/18/2022 12:30 PM: 👌

*Tim Powell*, 10/18/2022 12:30 PM: KM seems vastly under-resourced in so many organizations.

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:31 PM: My informal sense looking at surveys we have done, and that Nick Milton has done, is that the average "lifespan" of a KMer has roughly doubled in the past 10-15 years... to 5-7 years

*Retha Prinsloo*, 10/18/2022 12:31 PM: 🙌

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:31 PM: Dominique: I think the CILIP contribution is precisely this contribution to career continuity

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:32 PM: I must be a KM dinosaur then.

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:32 PM: Sounds like Yoda

*Monica Henao*, 10/18/2022 12:33 PM: If we have a similar or a consensus idea about KM, it would be easier for academics, companies and practitioners.  But it depends on the knowledge concept that people or companies have.  And obviously it will define the emphasis of topics and trainings and jobs

*Tim Powell*, 10/18/2022 12:33 PM: Is there a meaningful role for university training in KM?

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:34 PM: Entrepreneurial job: yes, it often is, but KM drops off the map if it isn't stabilised  and the charismatic entrepreneur leaves

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:34 PM: I wish lots of entry level people in organization were able to do a three month rotation with the KM team/function.  I don't need everyone to be a KMer.

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:34 PM: Lovely idea

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:34 PM: YES, perhaps best when integrated into a broader degree.  I teach in an OD/KM program.

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:35 PM: I know there are lots of people who have come through Masters level programs

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:35 PM: And also KMers who start in practice and then consolidate with a Masters or a PhD

*Ari Kramer*, 10/18/2022 12:36 PM: In this research, I wonder if folks who have moved to new roles are still doing  or leading KM, but just under broader or more specific titles

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:36 PM: I'm sceptical about this idea of "the best" - whether content or community

*Kelsey George*, 10/18/2022 12:36 PM: I have a Masters in Library and Information Science and am questioning whether I need to get a KM certification before I am securely in a role. At the moment it is cost-prohibitive, but it has also been difficult to transition to a KM-titled role outside of libraries

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:37 PM: Dominique: hearing other people's stories

*Tim Powell*, 10/18/2022 12:39 PM: I taught in a master's-level knowledge strategy program at Columbia -- that's how I know Stan.  During the four years I was there, the program contracted dramatically.  The job market for knowledge strategists -- which I believe is the future of the discipline -- seems even less developed than that for knowledge managers.

*Monica Henao*, 10/18/2022 12:40 PM: There are Universities with postgraduate programs, masters and doctoral programs. I like a lot those from Asia.   In Colombia we have a Master sdegree called Innovation and Knowledge Management, integrated KM and innovation

*Ninez Piezas-Jerbi*, 10/18/2022 12:41 PM: Agree context is really important.  Sometimes people just need someone else helping them with a current problem.

 

*Rajesh Dhillon*, 10/18/2022 12:41 PM: yup MSC in KM , in Singapore, Hong Kong and a PHD prog in Thailand

*Tim Powell*, 10/18/2022 12:41 PM: I agree with Patrick,  What is the career path for KMers?

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:42 PM: George Mason University Organization Development & Knowledge Management program.  Also contracting in terms of enrollment.

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:42 PM: Rebecca: 100 KM Coffees - mutual support group

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:43 PM: I will definitely look it up. Thank you.

*Rebecca Danicic*, 10/18/2022 12:43 PM: great :)

*Ninez Piezas-Jerbi*, 10/18/2022 12:44 PM: Happy to discuss this further but have to go.  Looking forward to the recording. 👋👋👋  thanks for the topic!

*Tim Powell*, 10/18/2022 12:46 PM: I think there are related networks too, not mentioned.  (Like the air conditioning group Rory mentioned.) I was highly involved with the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals, for example -- a "first-cousin" discipline to KM.

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:47 PM: KM and engineering are not good analogues

*Monica Henao*, 10/18/2022 12:48 PM: thanks a lot, but I have to go. See you

*Tim Powell*, 10/18/2022 12:48 PM: Engineering is a knowledge-based profession -- as is law, medicine, etc.

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:49 PM: KM4Dev is a very active specialized community for KM in international development.  The application of KM in various fields is quite different, as previously mentioned, but the approaches and methods can be adapted.

*Helene Russell*, 10/18/2022 12:49 PM: If people want to check out the CILIP K&IM group, we have a LinkedIn group that you can join without joining CILIP itself.

*Rajesh Dhillon*, 10/18/2022 12:50 PM: i agree with Patrick here, the maturity that we envision for KM keeps going in a cycle back to start. My take is that we have to look at it as a product and follow thru as a product lifecycle.

*Rebecca Danicic*, 10/18/2022 12:51 PM: Nice idea!

*Tim Powell*, 10/18/2022 12:51 PM: KM could/should have sub-disciplines -- like medicine, engineering, and law do.

*Retha Prinsloo*, 10/18/2022 12:51 PM: Thank you Rory, great intro that elicited a lively discussion. Also a very useful & re-usable deck. Much appreciated. Good-bye everyone.

*Matthew Morrow*, 10/18/2022 12:51 PM: Thank you, everyone, for this excellent conversation!

*Rebecca Danicic*, 10/18/2022 12:52 PM: as KMers, we are inclined to create a common language, to codify and crystallise and standardise and share. Is it the right approach? Is it hypocritical not to do so? :P

*Kelsey George*, 10/18/2022 12:53 PM: I second Rebecca, it would be great to identify common ground through defining values/ideals in KM

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:54 PM: Yes!

*Kelsey George*, 10/18/2022 12:54 PM: I would love to see/participate in a mentor/mentee program.

*Rajesh Dhillon*, 10/18/2022 12:54 PM: i think there is a foundation/ principles that is general for all and then there is specialisation where we can spread out to these fields

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:54 PM: Mentoring and/or peer assist. Sometimes I would benefit from talking through an issue but I'm not asking for KM 101.

*Ari Kramer*, 10/18/2022 12:56 PM: I very much the idea of taking advantage of SIKM and similar forums (like the KM coffee group - which I just asked to join) for KM mentoring via some kind of ask/offer boards. I can envision myself doing both.

*Rebecca Danicic*, 10/18/2022 12:57 PM: great to know - I will try and push this in our coffee group

*Rajesh Dhillon*, 10/18/2022 12:57 PM: the "open surgery" or the open to critic is an awesome way

*Kelsey George*, 10/18/2022 12:58 PM: Thank you for the knowledge sharing and food for thought!

*Tim Powell*, 10/18/2022 12:59 PM: Thought-provoking discussion, great suggestions.  Thanks Rory, Stan, and all!

*Rajesh Dhillon*, 10/18/2022 12:59 PM: we just ended our 1 1/2-day session in Singapore too

*Patrick Lambe*, 10/18/2022 12:59 PM: Great discussion many thanks!

*Rajesh Dhillon*, 10/18/2022 12:59 PM: awesome sharing Rory and Rebecca, and great inputs from all.

*Helene Russell*, 10/18/2022 12:59 PM: Thanks Rory - very thought provoking

*Connie Smith*, 10/18/2022 12:59 PM: VERY interesting! Thank you!

*Barbara Fillip*, 10/18/2022 12:59 PM: Thank you.

*Ari Kramer*, 10/18/2022 12:59 PM: Thank you!