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The Secret of Tacit Knowledge: How to Master Ineffable Skills?
In today's rapidly changing society, tacit knowledge has gradually become the focus of discussion. This kind of knowledge is generally not easy to express or convey. It includes personal wisdom, experience, insight and intuition. Therefore, how to master this tacit knowledge, especially in the fields of professional skills and life wisdom, has become an important issue in improving personal abilities.
Tacit knowledge can be defined as skills, ideas and experiences that an individual possesses but cannot easily express.
The origin and definition of tacit knowledge
The concept of tacit knowledge originated from Michael Polanyi, who proposed the idea that "we know more than we can say" in his book "Personal Knowledge". This means that although some knowledge is difficult to express in words, it still exists and all knowledge is rooted in tacit knowledge.
Categories of tacit knowledge
Tacit knowledge can be divided into three types according to different "terrains":
- Relational tacit knowledge: Can be made explicit, but cannot be articulated because of underlying principles.
- Somatic tacit knowledge: Knowledge about the functions of an individual's body and brain, such as the mechanics of riding a bicycle.
- Collective tacit knowledge: Knowledge that exists in society but cannot be easily expressed, such as rules of language.
The difference between tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge
While there is a conceptual distinction between tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge, in practice they are often intertwined. Explicit knowledge can be codified and easily transferred, whereas tacit knowledge requires close interaction and mutual trust to transfer.
How to master tacit knowledge
To effectively master tacit knowledge, experience is undoubtedly the key. For example, the interaction between apprentices and mentors is an effective way to learn a craft, in which the apprentice not only learns through language, but also gains knowledge through observation, imitation and practice.
Tacit knowledge usually only emerges through practice in specific situations and is transmitted through social networks.
Case analysis
Many everyday examples can be seen of the use of tacit knowledge, such as riding a bicycle, playing the piano, or performing surgery. In these examples, people with the same skills can collectively perform a task without necessarily being able to verbally explain how to do it. For example, when a skilled surgeon believes that a trainee is ready to learn the ins and outs of surgery, this belief is often accumulated over a long period of observation and interaction.
The value of tacit knowledge
The true value of tacit knowledge lies in the innovation and competitive advantage it brings. In the field of knowledge management, how an organization effectively transforms and utilizes tacit knowledge will directly affect its innovation capabilities and market competitiveness.
The transformation process of tacit knowledge is called encoding, expression or standardization, which requires continuous practice and accumulation of experience.
Conclusion
In the current technological changes with huge influence, we are faced with not only the transfer of explicit knowledge, but also the in-depth exploration of tacit knowledge. Understanding and mastering tacit knowledge will bring immeasurable benefits, both at the individual and organizational levels. Are you ready to explore your tacit knowledge on this particularly important issue and apply it to future challenges?
