Sunday, May 2, 2010

Is employee engagement a factor in Knowledge Transfer?

Dr. Debby McNichols offered a question for discussion in her new LinkedIn group: Multi-generational Knowledge Transfer Strategies.

Here's my reply: The extent to which the internal climate of an organization encourages deep personal connection and ignites the effort required to continuously renew one’s professional skills and capabilities, then I believe engagement is important to knowledge transfer. In my practice I'm focusing more on passion at work, passion for learning, rather than engagement. It is difficult for me to point to any staff member and say they are engaged, somewhat engaged or disengaged. I can look in their eyes and see excitement, aliveness and passion for what they do. I can see and feel the fire-in-the-belly to learn and strive for excellence in everything they do, beyond just doing a job. This is an authentic indicator of workplace excellence, employee engagement and knowledge transfer.