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Top Tips for a Successful Knowledge Transfer

The Do’s and Don’ts

 

After participating in an active Testing Knowledge Transfer session that spanned over several months, we have come up with a few hints and tips, do’s and don’ts, pro’s and con’s, to help you (the 'giver') have a successful Knowledge Transfer with the reciever. 

Do’s

Be Enthusiastic

If you’re enthusiastic, you’re more approachable. Your reciver will be more enthusiastic about the work too. It creates a good, friendly atmosphere in which to build a good relationship.

 

Get to Know Your Trainee

Getting to know your reciever is a step in the right direction, knowing how they absorbs information and what interests them creates good foundations for a productive exchange in knowledge.

 

Have a Plan and be Organised

Have a plan in place... This ensures you use your time productively and can achieve goals under given time scales, this will also provide good coverage – you will be less likely to miss out imperative details.

 

 

Ask Questions

Asking questions is a good way of confirming your reciever is retaining the knowledge, we all know knowledge transfers can be an information overload therefore a clear communication channel between both parties will ensure the highest standard of transfer is given.

 

Feedback

Feedback is essential! Giving feedback to your reciever will re-assure them they are on the right track. This can also help when you feel like they are not progressing as swiftly as you’d expect – it is a good way to professionally communicate this without being offensive.

 

Don’ts

‘Leave Them to it’

Leaving your reciver on their own can ultimately end in disaster, especially if this is in the early stages of the knowledge transfer. Their main objective is to understand what they’re being taught, if you’re not there to support or answer queries then information can be misinterpreted.

 

Assume Prior Knowledge

Don’t assume prior knowledge, if you are unsure of their past experience just ask! If you think they know more than they do, your teaching methods may be insufficient, this could result in a reduced level of knowledge being acquired.

 

Ignore Languages Difficulties

We all know language barriers are big hurdles to overcome. Don’t underestimate the difficulty a language barrier will have on your knowledge transfer. Think of alternate ways to emphasise points or convey information: use pictures, diagrams, body language, etc

 

Neglect your own Workload

Usually whilst doing a Knowledge Transfer, you won’t have 100% of your time dedicated to it (unless you’re very lucky…). Make sure that you don’t neglect your own workload in favour of the knowledge transfer. If needed, take some time out to sit by yourself to focus on your work.

 

Different Working Hours

When carrying oout a knowledge transfer to an offshore team, be aware of the time difference. Sometimes it is advantageous to organise for both teams to work the same hours (either adhering to one time-zone or another).

 

By Charlotte Moss and Lauren Storrie - Test Analysts, Edge Testing

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