Being the Central Source LO10614

john taylor (jotaylorg@qni.com)
Fri, 20 Oct 1995 20:38:45 -0500

Replying to LO10578 --

I wrote

>My main objective is to be the central source for information regarding the
>"tools" used by employees i.e. software, operating systems, hardware, etc.
>I feel the better employees know how to use these tools better, it helps
>foster less stress, allows greater focus on major issues and increases
>efficiency and productivity.

Debbie Broome replied:

>it might be helpful to expand upon that and view yourself as the
>catalyst for getting others to share information and learn from each
>other.

Debbie,

Yes, it does make sense. I forsee most of my energies focusing on tools
not yet used and the filtering of information. In a small company such as
mine there is not a lot of "free time" to search for information that we
may not have in-house. I suppose a more accurate objective would be
"central source for information that is not attainable in-house"

As long as the objective (getting employees info to help them do a better
job) is met with efficiency and effectiveness, the means is of little
consequence. Tapping internal resources is the most cost effective means,
generally.

But I do see he need here for a workable system to the process, for
long-term benefit. Maybe the most important philosophy I got from college
is every company who wants to be around in 5, 10 20+ years need an active
long-term plan in place. What are we doing today that insures our
profitability and pure existence 10 years from now?

The system can't be complicated but structured enough to be efficent at:

1 - Identifying employees needs
2 - Determining what information/tools are required to fullfill said
need
3 - Determining from where the information/tools are to come from
4 - Filtering any unwanted or unrelevant input from info source
5 - Developing the best method to get the information/tools to the
employee
6 - Evalutating the success of the process

The system must be open for change and adjustment due to needs and
environments change. Once an acceptable system is kept in place, the
long-term success of, at least the information area, is solidified.

I have had a plan like this for about 2 years. The original process began
at my last position. With verbal compliments on my ideas from executives,
the financial shambles and over tasking of the company denied me any
chance of implementing my plan. With a "plan" that has never been tested,
I am looking for any and all input on the subject. Thank you for your
response.

John Taylor
jotaylor@qni.com

-- 

john taylor <jotaylor@qni.com>

Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>