Back in the 1980s, when I first began trying to interest my clients in the
shift to knowledge work and some of its implications for managers and the practice of
management, I put together a short presentation that included my personal credo as a
knowledge worker. I have been meaning for some time now to add it to the knowledge
management section of my web site. After digging it out and looking it over, I can
see why some clients were less than thrilled to read it. On the other hand, it is
still true. So, here it is.
- I seek out and I set direction.
- I resist supervision; I welcome support.
- I work at my own pace within the constraints posed by the situation.
- I put my name on what I do -- and the names of those who contribute in any way to any
endeavor for which I am accountable.
- I promote, praise, recognize and reward accomplishment and service.
- I contribute more than I consume.
- I seek control over myself and influence over events about me.
- I care about my work -- it is a reflection of me.
A lot has transpired since I first drafted the credo above. That said, I would
not retract a word of it. However, I would add to it. To wit:
- I care about the enterprise of which I am a part and I will do my best to protect it
against all threats -- whether they are external or internal.
- I care about the people with whom I work; they are not just co-workers or colleagues --
they are also friends, allies and comrades.
- I refuse to simply "obey orders" and "go along with the program."
- I will hold my superiors as accountable for their actions as they hold me accountable
for mine.
- I will not turn a "blind eye" or a "deaf ear" to wrongdoing at any
level of any organization of which I am a part.
- I will do my best to share what I know with those who are interested in learning from me
and I will do my best to learn from those who are skilled, knowledgeable or competent in
areas I am not.
- I will at all times strive to advance and improve the knowledge base that undergirds my
skills, abilities and accomplishments.
I will happily entertain additions to this credo from other knowledge workers.
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