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If you add “robust knowledge sharing by default” to your organizational goals, pay attention to micro habits. Those habits by teammates if left unexamined and unmodified will sabotage a polished knowledge sharing workflow plan or policy. The knowledge sharing culture eats the strategy for breakfast (h/t Peter Drucker, supposedly).

Hearing stories of local NGO staff's passions helps build trust, rapport, and a connection to matters that matter to them. In a culturally-sensitive way, intentionally crafting listening spaces with partners deepens understanding.

The knowledge of the elders is sometimes written.

As a librarian and knowledge manager, the "Information Steward" moniker grew out of information organization practices in academic libraries and international development nonprofit work. Examining who I am, what I believe, and my habits in vocational environments, I now recognize a broader scope of my work.

Knowledge sharing values lived out as habits. How individuals and teams practice knowledge sharing emerges from the values and culture embraced by those individuals. Rules, processes, and expectations succeed or fail based on the energy embodied in the culture. What is the knowledge sharing culture of your team or organization? The following activities may help illuminate the root of your knowledge sharing culture.

Stewarding information across work departments and teams necessitates links, relationships, visibility, and lines of communication at the highest level of the organization. Consequently, Information Steward co-leads will report directly to the organization's leader (CEO, President, Executive Director).

When two lead together, we, as a team, achieve a multiplier effect.

Your organization may need an Information Steward team.

What could a Knowledge Stewardship team look like? Consider the foundational elements below from which a scenario is then briefly sketched. The new model may only be achieved over the course of a few years through multiple step-wise iterations.

While at the Idaho\nCommission for Libraries I was a member of the Senior\nManagement\nTeam. I provided leadership and strategy guidance in support of the\nstate agency’s mission. I also assisted with the development and\nreview of the agency's strategic plan. As part of my particular\nstrategic remit, I focused on identifying and connecting with\norganizations to form and strengthen community partnerships in\nsupport of the library role in addressing community aspirations and\nchallenges. Acting as a consultant to academic, public, and special\nlibraries, I connected libraries with statewide resources to build\ntheir capacity to serve their communities. In this role, I\nrepresented the interests, assets, and needs of Idaho libraries\nthrough collaborations, partnerships, and relationships on a state,\nregional, and national level. Conducting research on behalf of these\nlibrary clients, I monitored national, state, and local trends and\nissues affecting Idaho communities and libraries. Additionally, I\nsupported the State Librarian working with the governor-appointed\nBoard of Commissioners on budget and policy.