Knowledge Transfer Guide
Discover the key to managing succession transitions with SIGMA’s Knowledge Transfer Guide.
Teaching a new hire the ins and outs of a key position in your organization can seem like a daunting task. There are many things to learn, and so little time. To add to the challenge, sometimes the previous incumbent has already left the organization and is not available to support the transition. If this sounds familiar, then you have come to the right place. SIGMA’s consultants have created a free Knowledge Transfer Guide and accompanying template with your unique employee transition challenges in mind.
What is Knowledge Transfer?
In the context of succession planning, ‘knowledge transfer’ refers to the passing down of organizational and technical knowledge from the incumbent to the successor. This may include critical information about organizational culture and processes, the responsibilities of the role, key relationships, or the status and priorities of current projects. It may also include technical knowledge required to perform the job, such as how to use a particular software.
SIGMA’s Knowledge Transfer Process
The simple process outlined in SIGMA’s Knowledge Transfer Guide will give you the clarity and structure required to effectively manage succession transitions. Because we know it is often not possible to discuss everything with a successor before an incumbent’s departure, this guide also provides recommendations on how to prioritize which duties to address first. In addition, you will learn about common methods for transferring knowledge and when to use each technique.
Common Methods of Knowledge Transfer
Common methods of knowledge transfer include:
- Job shadowing.
- Short-term assignments.
- Mentoring.
- Informational interviews.
Together, these succession planning strategies will give you the tools and confidence to efficiently onboard your organization’s new successor. This will allow for a smooth transition process and reduce losses in productivity.
What’s Included in the Guide?
This practical, step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of:
- Creating a comprehensive list of role duties.
- Prioritizing each duty to efficiently organize resources.
- Documenting critical knowledge for the successor.
- Identifying key contacts and facilitating the transfer of these relationships.
You will also gain access to the companion Knowledge Transfer Template. Use this pre-formatted Excel spreadsheet as you follow along with the guide to record and organize critical information for your successor.
Download the Guide
Ready to get started? Fill out the form to receive your free copy of the Knowledge Transfer Guide and Knowledge Transfer Template. We will send the resource materials to your email inbox.
Speak With an Expert
SIGMA’s Succession Planning Diagnostic is a free consultation service designed to give you clear insights into the state of succession at your organization. Complete our 5-minute survey to access your complimentary 30-minute call with one of our consultants. You will receive a custom report with the results of your survey, as well as tailored advice to help you capitalize on the strengths of your existing talent development efforts and target areas that have room for improvement. We’ll also share practical next steps and resources to help you build a robust succession and talent development strategy.