Identify Knowledge Discrepancies
In the bid and proposal industry, there are individuals with vast amounts of experience and those who are just beginning to dip their toes in the tumultuous acquisition waters. How do we overcome these disparities in knowledge? Particularly, how would a small business, mindful of trying to maintain low indirect rates, remain competitive in this ever-growing landscape while still maturing a staff? The short answer is to indoctrinate and equip our assets with the resources they need to flourish. That, of course, begs the question: How?
Implement Training Techniques
The amount of information at our fingertips is virtually limitless, but pruning the superfluous branches can be a daunting task. If you’re entrenched in business development, you might not have the time or reserves to train on top of your everyday 8–5 workday (or often 7–7). Within my organization, proposal writers and managers wanted to gain more knowledge in this industry.
As a member of APMP, I had access to a stream of webinars ranging from the importance of creating compelling graphics to how to best collaborate across multigenerational teams. My team began having roundtable discussions where each individual would pick a webinar topic to research and present to the proposal team and to any other member of our company who was interested and available. The weekly roundtables began with an overview of the chosen webinar; from there, we would discuss how effective our company was in that particular area and how we could make it better. Not only did this series give insight to the team, but it also empowered the individual presenting. Additionally, it provided an environment conducive to an open dialogue between varying levels of leadership within the organization.
If you have stumbled upon an article, a webinar, or some other bit of information that you found helpful, share it. It’s likely your blossoming co-workers will benefit from the information as well.
Make Knowledge Accessible Across the Organization
There are so many ways to share information. Whether using SharePoint, a shared drive, or some other data repository, enabling employees to have access to helpful resources is essential for growth. If you have stumbled upon an article, a webinar, or some other bit of information that you found helpful, share it. It’s likely your blossoming co-workers will benefit from the information as well.
Stimulate and Promote Knowledge Sharing
Although continuous training to further develop skill sets may be ideal, it may not be feasible. Talented employees who are willing to shed light on the how and why in this industry should be recognized for their contributions. This promotion of continuous knowledge sharing can have significant benefits on the organization overall. Creating an environment where positive behaviors—such as knowledge sharing and its counterpart knowledge seeking—are rewarded may alter the mindset of employees less inclined to participate in the information exchange.
Most businesses want to grow. To do that, organizations should invest in their greatest resources: the people who come to work every day. Equipping people with the tools they need to succeed is only part of the puzzle. Appreciating employees for their contributions and creating an environment where knowledge sharing is valued are critical pieces as well.
Kate Monahan, CF APMP, is director of strategic communications at Creek Technologies Co., a Beavercreek, Ohio-based information technology educator and solutions provider. She can be reached at kate.monahan@creek-technologies.com.
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