Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Using Wikis for collaboration

Wikis can work in a business environment, just as long as everyone lets them work. I think Penny Edward's article "How does your wiki grow" hits the nail on the head, especially about role-players. Everyone can participate, but just like any other team collaboration, there must be roles.

Not everyone can sit around and invent. Not everyone can mediate, and certainly not everyone can lead. These roles should be doled out and clearly defined. They should also be done so voluntarily. Find the people that are willing to mediate and edit. Some people are drawn to this, just like some people are drawn to writing or creating ideas.

The article also makes a good point not to smother the experimentation phase. Managers should let the growth of wikis happen naturally. People need time to find their footing. Let them find there place in the wiki world.

Letting wikis thrive can give many benefits for a business. Such as:
1. People become more experienced in technology.
2. People can take work home with them. (In some cases, stay home!)
3. Information is shared across the board.

If everyone comes together to assemble a different part of the machine, it will run much smoother than parts being flung together

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