The Hidden Power of Experiential Knowledge

Experiential knowledge might not always be at the forefront of our thoughts, yet it's something we access constantly. For instance, effortlessly navigating the busy streets of a familiar city is a form of experiential or tacit knowledge. It's knowledge that's hard to articulate or formally access. Think about listing your skills; you might start strong but soon hit a wall. You know there's more you're capable of, but it's challenging to pinpoint everything.?

However, when confronted with a specific problem, your ability to find a solution springs forth instinctively. This is tacit knowledge at work – learned through experience and ingrained through repetition. It becomes second nature, like riding a bike, where you don't consciously think about the process, but your body knows how to balance and pedal instinctively?

Tacit knowledge is precisely this kind of know-how – it’s gained through hands-on experiences and is challenging to document. Unlike explicit knowledge, which is about facts and figures, tacit knowledge includes skills, insights, and intuitions that are intuitive and often unspoken. Consider the difference between knowing a fact, like London being in the UK, and a skill, such as playing the piano.?

Originating from Michael Polanyi's work, tacit knowledge underscores that we often know more than we can tell. It's a blend of personal wisdom, hands-on experiences, and insights that are not always conscious but are crucial in decision-making and problem-solving.?

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, leveraging tacit knowledge has become more important than ever. It forms the backbone of a company's competitive edge, embodying the unspoken practices, innovative solutions, and creative problem-solving that drive success. Recognizing and harnessing this knowledge, especially in industries where expertise is mission-critical, can be the difference between leading and following in the market. Tacit knowledge, deeply embedded in every experienced professional, is a treasure trove waiting to be unlocked, offering insights that can transform businesses and industries.?

In the workplace, tacit knowledge is invaluable. It's the expertise an experienced worker has, which isn’t easily taught but is learned through practice and interaction. It’s what turns routine tasks into skilled performances and drives innovation. This is the cornerstone of why our company is named 'Tacit.' We are dedicated to harnessing this invaluable tacit knowledge, especially in mission-critical industries, where it can have a profound impact on efficiency, innovation, and success.?

At Tacit , we recognize the importance of this uncodified knowledge, especially in mission-critical industries. Our solutions are designed to capture and transfer this invaluable asset, ensuring organizations don’t just rely on explicit knowledge but harness the full spectrum of their team’s wisdom.?

Image by Freepik