Organizations that develop the rare ability of creating and utilizing knowledge have an edge of their competitors. This is because knowledge is what contributes to informed changes that drive growth. In the recent past terms like innovation and creativity have become cliché.

Many organizations have adopted either or both of these terms in their core values. Employees are encouraged to be creative and innovative in meetings in the hallway and the cafeteria.

Knowledge creation happens when people are able to collaborate and exchange ideas. The power of dialogue in knowledge creation cannot be underestimated. When employees are able to chat over existing challenges, share experiences or novel insights, knowledge can be created.

Alternatively, when communications channels are closed, knowledge creation is hindered. Informal dialogue and meetings as a platform for dialogue are important for knowledge creation.

The deliberate effort to cause dialogue and interactions between teams, departments and individuals lies on the shoulders of the leaders. When leaders sit in closed offices and come off as rigid, employees keep their ideas to themselves.

Many ideas get lost in the silence or poor engagement of the leaders. Dialogue not speeches should be encouraged to enhance knowledge creation.

“Knowledge, like air, is vital to life. Like air, no one should be denied it.” – Alan Moore