More than a decade ago, when I started my professional journey as a Graphics Designer I realized, despite of being in a coolest profession, one thing was common across, that is knowledge-hiding or Knowledge Hoarding ( a person who gathers and guards information for personal preservation and future use). I joined a creative design agency of big FMCG firm, I experienced the same, sadly even in the next stint, somewhere I was very uncomfortable with this kind of culture and unfortunately gone through a lot (I am sure most of us have) during the initial days of career due to this, which could have been avoided.
I felt, then this topic was overlooked and underrated to even consider that, this is a concern.
But lately, it is becoming very important as its becoming a barrier to creativity, innovation and most importantly an open mindset, which every workspace is aiming at.
Organizations are recognizing, that the wealth of experience and knowledge their employees possess is one of their most important resources, they not only function more consistently as a team, but also grow the intellectual wealth of the whole organization.
As individual or thinker, we have to take the charge to build a learning platform and build knowledge sharing mindset, as constant knowledge sharing brings seemingly endless benefits to organizations/individuals, it increases collaborations and leads to a rise in creative problem solving approach.
Remember, When knowledge is accessible to all, you won’t waste any time reinventing the wheel. So let’s focus on how to build a culture that supports knowledge sharing mindset, here’s where to start.
1. Create a space to be conducive to conversation, building a space that encourages collaboration doesn’t have to be a full-blown remodel.
2. Invest in a long term strategy, if your organization wants to create a longer-lasting strategy, it may be time to formalize the process.
3. Make it a priority, within the constant churn of deadlines, it’s easy for those important but less urgent tasks to be shoved aside.
4. Encourage various forms of knowledge sharing, emphasize that every single team member has something valuable to share, and that can be accomplished in many different ways.
5. Provide incentives, Whatever way you decide to reward employees for knowledge sharing, having an incentive is sure to kickstart some next-level collaboration and get the creative juices flowing.
6. Build a knowledge library, one of the boons of a knowledge sharing strategy is that, when an employee moves on to a new opportunity, they leave some of their expertise behind.
Infact, knowledge sharing isn’t restricted to the company limits, individuals may take it to external platforms like or industry events, contributing to a higher level. Not only can the company gain more presence, the individual also benefits from increased exposure.
Finally, with a strong belief that every individual is unique and so is the set of knowledge which no one can takeaway. I wish to create a space which is beyond the mandated and formal ways of exchanging informations, where individuals are motivated to share happiness 🙂 in form of knowledge and start collaborating to build healthier work environment, where struggles takes the back seat and learnings takes its peak. So start sharing knowledge, it not only brings smile, also breaks the mental barriers within like power, uncertainty and fear.
