Tapping in to the knowledge well
We each have a wealth of knowledge within us. Tapping into it can be difficult. Researchers speak of knowledge as either explicit or tacit. The first is easy to express and easy to find. The second tends to be the harder, on demand stuff that may not come out unless the right questions are asked.
Asking the right questions lets you tap into the knowledge well. Getting good with questions turns you into a “knowledge wildcatter.” Like a wildcatter finding pay dirt in an oil patch, great questions give you the leverage to find the rich stuff people know and have a hard time offering up. Great questions help you hone in on your knowledge instinct. A great questioning method let’s you know when to ask things, for what reasons, and what you can expect to find. And when you hit the right spot, stand back!
Here’s the thing: knowledge wildcatting is a skill. The good news is that even if you are not there yet, you can get better at it over time. So don’t despair if you come up empty. Just take a look at how you scan the field. Consider what tools you use. Double check your drills and the stuff that supports them. And whatever you do, don’t despair when some of your taps run dry. Pay dirt takes time, patience, and perseverance. And a little luck every now and then wont’ hurt a bit.