​What is Tacit Knowledge?

 

Our colleagues at The Hedgspeth Group teach that knowledge is divided into two categories—explicit and tacit. Explicit knowledge is codifiable and is easily transferred in written instructions, manuals, job aids, etc. Tacit knowledge is not codifiable, meaning it cannot be written down and left as instructions for successors. Tacit means understood without being openly expressed. Often, individuals do not realize they possess tacit knowledge because it is stored in their subconsciousness mind and is drawn out when a situation arises.

​

Tacit knowledge is transferred through informal discussions, working in close proximity, cubicle drive-bys, impromptu discussions, observation, water cooler chats, mentoring, and coaching. 

 

TGE's CI Waste WAR Battle events are structured, collaborative problem solving events. They involve bringing together a team of employees (even if the team members are working remotely) to work through the steps to eliminate a problem caused by workplace waste. In the Lean world, they call this type of event a Kaizen. Kaizen is a Japanese word that translates to change for the better.

 

We have found that when people are collaboratively involved in problem solving, an environment conducive for the transfer of tacit knowledge is created. By strategically selecting employees with diverse backgrounds and diverse levels of experience to serve on a CI Waste WAR Battle event team, the organization can facilitate effective tacit knowledge transfer among those team members.

 

To learn more about Tacit Knowledge, visit The Hedgspeth Group website.

 

To learn more about our CI Waste WAR Battle events, start with our "8 Things Managers Must Do To Improve Team Results In Less Than 30 Days" FREE Checklist.