In business as in life, it is the responsibility of each generation to pass knowledge down to the next. Things like basic job functions are probably part of a formal training program. A company handbook most likely lays out all the policies and rules. And a new employee packet should have all the HR odds and ends needed to keep things legit. If you have a lead manager or training team, they likely know these steps and processes backwards and forwards.
But what about your unwritten information? How is that tribal knowledge passed down?
Most often, tribal knowledge is passed down by word of mouth from one person to the next – whether when changing roles, training new staff, or in the course of normal conversation. Think of it like playing a game of “Telephone.” There’s a lot of room for information to be lost in translation – or lost all together.
Think about your job. Is there information that would be lost forever if you were, say, hit by a bus? If you were offered a better position within your company, could you train your replacement in 30 days? 90? Never?
If those questions made you shudder, then maybe it’s time to capture your tribal knowledge and start using it to your advantage.
Identify what makes each of your tribes unique. Tribal knowledge often differs from one department or team to the next. Each has its own set of needs, processes, abilities, or values. This is also a good time to look at what bits of knowledge aren’t working – those facts and processes that got garbled along the way.
Document the processes you want to keep. After taking the time to find out what makes each tribe great, you don’t want to lose that knowledge. So write it down. No piece of knowledge is too small to be preserved – whether it’s as simple as how to file invoices or complex as how to work with a customer through a warranty claim.
Share your knowledge with the next generation. Documented tribal knowledge is a true training resource. Add it to your existing training materials so your future employees are not only properly trained, but efficiently as well. By having this knowledge accessible, they refer to it when they have questions.
None of this would be possible without someone who is dedicated to capturing and recording your tribal knowledge. Whether it’s an owner, manager, or just someone who really cares, they should have a vested interest in the long-term success of the tribe and understanding that it all starts with the spreading of accurate, proven knowledge.
No matter the size of your business, it pays to have your tribal knowledge documented so you don’t lose it for the future. It may be the difference between making a sale and making a mess.
photo credit: ©iStock.com/Sadeugra

The transference of knowledge from one generation to the next is important – especially in business, it needs to be accurate. How do you document your tribal knowledge? Share below or write to Nick directly.