Definitions of Knowledge Sharing Practices

EXAMPLES OF TECHNIQUES & TOOLS	DESCRIPTION
After-Action Reviews / Post-Project Reviews	Review of projects or initiatives to capture lessons learned, evaluate outcomes, and identify improvements for future work.
Annotated Templates / Guidance Documents	Templates, outlines, or content/format guidelines that provide guidance on what to include and how to document processes or work products.
Best Practice Meetings & Studies	SMEs share and document proven approaches through discussions or formal studies to improve processes and outcomes.
Communities of Practice	Groups of people who deepen their knowledge and expertise by interacting over time and share that collaborative knowledge across the organization.
Critical Incident Review	Captures lessons from specific incidents, analyzes root causes, and discusses what worked or didn’t work to improve processes.
Cross Training	Employees are trained to perform multiple roles, supporting flexibility, collaboration, and organizational resilience.
Expert Panels / Advisory Groups	Groups of SMEs providing guidance and recommendations on complex topics or emerging issues.
Expert Storytelling & Interviews	Skilled interviewer engages employees to make tacit knowledge explicit through structured conversations.
Innovation Challenges / Hackathons	Structured events where teams develop creative solutions or prototypes, encouraging collaboration and rapid knowledge sharing.
Internal Newsletters / Knowledge Bulletins	Regular communications highlighting lessons learned, research findings, or updates to share knowledge across the organization.
Job Shadowing	Less experienced employees observe and practice alongside veteran employees to gain hands-on experience in everyday and challenging situations.
Knowledge Maps	Identify the location, form, ownership, value, and use of knowledge and expertise, helping to make better use of knowledge and uncover barriers to knowledge flow.
Knowledge Repositories / Digital Libraries	Centralized collections of knowledge, data, or documentation accessible across the organization to support knowledge sharing.
Last Lectures	Retiring or experienced employees give presentations to share tacit knowledge, contextual experiences, and lessons learned, in-person or via video.
Lessons Learned Database	Collects lessons from multiple projects and experiences, making them accessible for future reference and continuous improvement.
Lunchtime Talks	SMEs present information on specific initiatives or research findings in informal lunchtime or half-day sessions.
Mentoring / Mentoring Programs	Structured guidance from experienced employees to support professional development, cultural formation, and higher-level proficiency.
NJDOT Research Library	Provides transportation professionals in New Jersey with knowledge resources to plan, design, construct, and maintain a high-quality transportation system.
Peer Exchanges	Peers from state DOTs, regional, or local governments meet to exchange ideas and best practices on a specific topic, benefiting research, development, and technology transfer programs.
Procedures Manuals	Written guides detailing standardized processes, roles, and responsibilities to ensure consistency and accuracy in task completion.
Process Documentation / Mapping	Flow diagrams that illustrate processes and identify roles, responsibilities, and products at each step.
Research	Produces knowledge that advances innovation and informs implementation of processes, procedures, and best practices.
Structured On-the-Job Training	Employees develop essential knowledge and skills while actively working on projects.
Training Sessions	SMEs conduct formal training sessions on specific topics.
Videos	Documented demonstrations of tasks, jobs, or innovative practices to illustrate methods or achievements.
Webinars	Online training conducted by SMEs, accessible live or on-demand for broader reach.
Workshops	Half-day or full-day events that combine presentations with practical application of knowledge.