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What’s a knowledge worker? The phrase "knowledge worker" was introduced by Peter Drucker over thirty years
ago to describe someone who provides value by creating new information which
then can be used to define and solve problems. Why should you care? Anyone who wants to excel in his/her career or who wants to outshine the
competition needs to be a knowledge worker. I was prompted to write about this concept because it struck me that while there’s
an overload of information available, most people feel lost as to where to find the
best information and how to translate it. So, how do you become a Knowledge Worker? By using your intellect to turn your ideas into processes, services or products. You can become a worker who “sources between his/her ears” by translating
information into a user-friendlier format, by defining and solving problems, and by
adding deeper understanding and knowledge to already existing information. And because knowledge has such a limited shelf life, the gathering, translating and
applying of knowledge becomes an even more critical career skill. A Key for Job Seekers too! One of the key qualities that employers seek is intellectual curiosity. This is another
way of underscoring the importance of refining your thought processes and being a
knowledge worker. Job candidates who exhibit intellectual curiosity have the edge because of the
time saving and/or profit-enhancing methods they typically invent. These
employees are inherently less of a drain on management resources. How do you learn to source between your ears and become a Knowledge
Worker? Here’s how: •By seeking out experts in your field •By building a community of peers and associates who can provide a wellspring
of inspiration and a testing ground for nascent ideas •By having conversations that raise the level of discourse and expand the reach
of your knowledge •By attending professional conferences •By reading journals, books and other knowledge sources Here are recent client examples showing how being a knowledge worker has paid
off: One client raised her profile with her employer by being the expert on how to pitch
a story to a specific media outlet. She knew who to call and what to say. No one
else had this knowledge. Another client used his formidable knowledge of competitive market intelligence to
pitch a new employer. The prospective employer was so impressed that they want
to create a job for him. A third client was promoted because of his continuing efforts to streamline a new
paint process that had major startup glitches. He persevered, mastered the new
equipment and installed fail safe procedures that earned him recognition from the
Plant Manager and VP of Manufacturing. Few employers could argue with the benefits of employing knowledge workers:
efficiency, effectiveness and innovation. My advice? Set yourself apart by becoming a knowledge worker. The time you spend in self-
development and deepening your knowledge in your area of expertise can be as
valuable as an advanced degree. Dale Kurow, M.S. is an author and a career and executive coach in New York City. Dale
works with clients across the U.S. and internationally, helping them to become better
managers, figure out their next career moves and thrive despite office politics. Visit
Dale"s web site at http://www.dalekurow.com/newsletter to sign-up for her
free monthly e-zine "Career Essentials," chock full of useful career tips and
strategies you can use immediately. |
