Yesterday we outlined the ‘problem’ with using white collar contractors (referred to as Independent Professionals or IPros by Entity Solutions).

In a nutshell, asking an IPro to participate in knowledge sharing requires slight changes in the way an engagement is managed. Simply asking the IPros to impart knowledge is too imprecise a directive to be useful, so it’s important that both the business and the IPros agree how the relationship should work. As promised in yesterday’s blog, here are six tips to help you structure workable, effective knowledge sharing agreements with your IPros.

Six tips for successful IPro knowledge sharing

1.    Once you have defined the scope and required outcomes of a contracting project, specify in writing exactly what skills or knowledge you need the IPro to pass on to staff within your organisation.  

2.    Map out who needs to know what, so that the IPro doesn’t waste time teaching the wrong staff. At the same time, be flexible. Tap into the IPro’s experience and ask for their opinion regarding who within your team is the most appropriate and best equipped to pick up new skills.

3.    Find out how the IPro plans to achieve the knowledge transfer. Does he or she require formal training time, regular meetings or a room in which to sit and discuss the project with other staff? Will knowledge transfer work best if you ‘apprentice’ a staff member to the IPro for sections of the project? Discuss the requirements and agree on an approach that works best for both the IPro and your business.

4.    Communicate the knowledge transfer expectations to staff. If you want employees to pay attention and learn certain skills, they need to be aware of them and know that you are serious.

5.    Even if it is affected purely through casual observation and questioning, knowledge transfer will add to the time the IPro needs to spend with your organisation.  Therefore, remember to make an allowance for this when defining the contract period.

6.    Finally, to avoid confusion and miscommunication, it’s always best to document what you’ve agreed on. While this doesn’t necessarily have to be part of your formal contract, it should provide clear confirmation of both parties’ knowledge sharing obligations.

By making these steps a standard part of any IPro engagement, engaging IPros will will take on new life within your organisation. Rather than just filling the need for another set of hands, you’ll find the business benefiting through the introduction of new ideas, new expertise and increased knowledge transfer between permanent and IPros.

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