Mastering Knowledge Management: A Guide to Staying Informed in 8 Steps

As a global health advisor focusing on collaborative projects, staying abreast of key trends, insights from reputable organizations, and the perspectives of Key Opinion Leaders is not just a habit - it's a strategic necessity. The impact of this knowledge on both my professional reputation and the quality of services I offer to clients is significant. However, this comes with some challenges: limited time and the delicate balance between content consumption and creation. So, how do we navigate this? Here's a step-by-step guide to my approach:

Step 1: Creating Excel Spreadsheet

In the chaos of information overload, Excel can be a useful tool. So, step 1 is to simply create an Excel spreadsheet.

Step 2: Listing Professional Knowledge Sources

From websites and LinkedIn profiles to blogs, podcasts, YouTube channels, university platforms, and magazines, I compile a comprehensive list of the diverse sources that contribute to my industry insights.

Step 3: Assigning Importance Levels

Every source is not created equal. I classify them into high, medium, and low importance levels.

Step 4: Assessing Relevance

I then evaluate the current relevance of each source by asking simple questions such as: “Do I still want to consult this source?”, “Does this matter to me today?”.

Step 5: Defining Consultation Frequencies

For each relevant source, I set clear frequencies, ranging from daily check-ins to quarterly or even annual reviews.

Step 6: Estimating Duration of Consultation

Realistic time allocation is crucial. I estimate the average duration needed for each consultation, preventing me from spending too much time on it.

Step 7: Planning Time Slots

To make sure I prioritize knowledge consumption alongside project work, I plan dedicated time slots for consultations. This step is vital for maintaining the delicate balance between staying informed and delivering tangible results for clients.

Step 8: Calendar Integration

Here's the game-changer - integrating these time slots into my calendar. If it's not scheduled, it's as good as non-existent. This visual representation helps me manage my time efficiently and ensures that crucial tasks are actually done.

Addressing the Fear of a Busy Calendar:

I understand that a busy calendar might seem overwhelming. But let’s consider: Would you rather have tasks neatly organized in your calendar or chaos in your mind? I choose the former. The calendar serves as my ally, not an adversary. It's a tangible tool that keeps me on track and in control.

Ongoing Optimization:

Acknowledging that no system is perfect, I continuously assess my approach. If a source isn't meeting expectations or if my schedule feels overwhelming, I revisit the Excel sheet. Adjusting frequencies or reclassifying sources as less relevant keeps the system agile and effective.

In the field of advisory and consulting, where information is power, mastering knowledge management is not just a strategy, it's a competitive advantage. This step-by-step guide is helping me to stay informed intentionally, avoiding the overwhelm of information overload or the choice to remain uninformed because “I have no time”.

Some knowledge sources from my own Excel Knowledge Spreadsheet: The Economist, MedTech News, Global Health NOW, Consulting Success, HBR Idea Cast, HBR, UNICEF, World Bank Health, UN Global Health, The Global Fund, Healthcare IT News, WHO, Global Health Observatory, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.