The Perfect Role:

Community Intelligence Nexis Agent (CINA)

Introduction:

Sustaining a competitive advantage in today's business climate is directly tied to the speed with which information from multiple sources is synthesized and then translated into tangible results. Individuals and teams are dependent on a steady flow of innovative ideas and consistent communication derived from informal or formal networks, from within or outside an organization.

The technological achievements of the 21st century have accelerated the flow of data. But information overload, time constraints, the "silo" effect, and competition between departments has constrained individuals from extracting best practices from the community intelligence hub. Equally important are the novel ideas generated within this community that are not brought to fruition because a) no one is charged with shepherding the best ideas through the system and b) there is a perceived risk associated with taking time to investigate exceptional or novel business practices and information sources. As organizations strive for sustained momentum and ways to leapfrog the competition, however, it becomes increasingly critical to think about investing in resources that will maximize the cross-pollination of ideas that can then be developed into products and services that provide differentiation and value-add.

The need:

An approach that integrates both technology and human intervention can be designed to systematically function as the "nexus" of any company. At its core, the overarching goal is to maintain a pulse on the organization and be the conduit for the diffusion of ideas and new practices. The methodology used will further interconnect individuals and facilitate the cross-collaborative effort and germination of ideas that will ultimately contribute to the organization's bottom line.

The role:

Depending on the size and nature of an organization, the role of "nexus" or "facilitator" can consist of one or more persons. The net effect is the same: forging new relationships, and catalyzing ideas that can be leveraged by individuals or teams in an organization.

The "nexus" or "core intermediary" has organizational knowledge that spans horizontally and vertically. The role requires someone who can spontaneously facilitate hallway conversations or champion executive roundtables. An individual must be well versed in business practices, be technology competent and possess an entrepreneurial acumen that espouses leadership and a relentless drive to steer best in class ideas and practices through the appropriate channels.

Much the same way a blood hound goes after its prey, the intermediary thrives on finding the answers to the tough questions. The answers can reside either within or outside of an organization and they must ultimately be filtered and funneled to the appropriate individuals to expedite decision-making. The vertical knowledge housed in departmental silos must be excavated and brought to light to allow for mind-sharing. In sum, the facilitator role takes on the function of an electronic librarian, an historian and researcher in addition to catalyzer, community brain-melder, and repository. The intermediary agent would require access to appropriate corporate technology resources to facilitate information archival and its distribution.

The value:

Incomplete solutions to problems or insufficient information needed to expedite decision-making continues to plague organizations. The role of nexus intermediary provides a pivotal source where members of the community can converge to solve complex issues that require the brain trust of the community. By using a consultative approach, the intermediary can foster a medium for bringing solutions to problems in an expedient manner and make strides in bringing to the forefront potential catastrophes or competitive dilemmas before they significantly impact an organization.

The results:

The result is an organization that is streamlined to maneuver through the ever-expanding world of information hyperspace with maximum effectiveness.