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w w w . c a n a d i a n l a w y e r m a g . c o m J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 19 the most improvement is needed. Often, these are the most repeatable processes or those documents that need producing most often. The upfront investment in KM must be offset by creating long-term savings in time, energy and/ or cost. Choosing something performed only a few times a year (and often requiring specialized knowledge) to simplify will not be worth your time. Once you are clearer about the "what" that will form the centre of your collection and focus, the next step is to figure out the "how." But leaping straight to the technology with no stepping stone in between may not deliver the stress-free wins you desire. For example, implementing a document automation system without having first agreed on the best drafting language and variables needed will slow your development efforts consider- ably. This pause between the content or process and leaping to the technology solution has a side benefit too. It allows teams to learn collectively what they have, what is valuable about it, as well as what should not be replicated or kept. To build a cul- ture in which KM will flourish, you need to create this shared journey for your team. Managing knowledge in small firms also requires consid- ering the tacit knowledge stuck in people's heads. This stuff is much harder to codify into tangible documents. Person- al contact with the experts is needed, such as through job shadowing, mentor programs or small group discussions. It is behind some of the more familiar training that junior lawyers go through at firms. Recognition of these "tacit knowledge transfers" should become part of your stan- dard operating procedures for KM and be valued for the learning opportunities they provide. Once the building blocks are in place, you can then begin a review of the technology options to support your types of knowledge, sharing practices and processes. Smaller firms can exploit simpler technologies that don't have to integrate or play nicely with the large, creaky, legacy systems of Big Law. To initiate and run a successful KM program, you need to work at getting the right balance of building blocks that will drive your specific strategy for managing your intellectual capital. Kate Simpson is national director of knowledge management at Ben- nett Jones LLP. Opinions expressed are her own. "These are the three key reasons that lead many to initiate a knowledge management strategy: enabling efficiencies, continuous improvement and managing risk." 82 Scollard Street, Toronto, Canada, M5R 1G2 Contact Stacey Ball at (416) 921-7997 ext. 225 or srball@82scollard.com web: www.staceyball.com Ball Professional Corporation Excellence in Employment & Labour Law • Counsel in Leading Cases • • Author of Leading Treatise • Wrongful Dismissal Employment Law Human Rights Post Employment Competition Civil Litigation Appellate Advocacy Disability Referrals on behalf of employees and employers respected all_CL_Mar_12.indd 1 12-03-13 2:27 PM Canadian Employment Law Stacey Reginald Ball More than 7,000 cases cited Canadian Employment Law is a one-stop reference that provides a thorough survey of the law and analysis of developing trends, suggesting potential avenues of attack as well as identifying potential weaknesses in the law. Canadian Employment Law has been cited by the Supreme Court of Canada, in superior courts in every province in Canada, and is used in law schools throughout Canada. The eBook* version is available through your web browser, or can be downloaded to your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Learn more at store.thomsonreuters.ca/ proview. *eBook not available to trade bookstores, third-party distributors, and academic institutions. Available risk-free for 30 days Order online: store.thomsonreuters.ca Call Toll-Free: 1-800-387-5164 In Toronto: 416-609-3800 Also available online on WestlawNext® Canada EmploymentSource™ © 2018 Thomson Reuters Canada Limited 00255NF-A95033-CM Print+ProView eBook* Order # L95983-65203 $537 2 volume looseleaf supplemented book Anticipated upkeep cost – $480 per supplement 4-6 supplements per year Supplements invoiced separately ProView eBook* only Order # L95984-65203 $505 Shipping and handling are extra. Price(s) subject to change without notice and subject to applicable taxes.

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