Brown Bag Lunch Strategy

Knowledge Management Strategy: The Brown Bag Luncheon Presentation Author: Bob Dalton, CKMP, MF, KMNet Facilitator 11 June 2009

What is a Brown Bag Luncheon?
From a knowledge management perspective it is a structured social gathering during an organizational lunch time period which is used specifically for the purpose of transferring knowledge, building trust, establishing social or networking links, social learning, problem solving or brain storming.

What are the advantages of using this knowledge management technique?
It allows people to socialize and get to know each other in a relaxed situation where they might not otherwise do so.
It allows for trust building to occur.
It allows for rapid real time exchange of knowledge and experience.
It allows for building of enduring social and networking connections.
It allows for social learning to occur.
It’s fun!

The four primary types of brown bag luncheon
Seminar
Small Group
Combination
Social

Seminar Type

Understanding the Seminar Type
The most widely used of the types and most traditional.
A guest speaker talks for a specified period of time on a specific subject with the intent of passing his/her knowledge and experience onto everyone in the room.
After the speaker is finished people at tables are allowed to socialize and discuss what was just presented.

Tip for making the seminar type successful
Ensure the speaker does not use up more than 60% of the available time to allow for socialization and discussion of what was presented at each of the tables.

Small Group Type

Understanding the Small Group Type
Each person at the table is asked to answer at least one pre-determined question. As an example this could be as simple as what is the biggest problem you worked on during the last week or month?
After the person answers the questions the other members of the table can comment, ask for further elaboration or discuss what was said.
This process is repeated until all personnel at the table have answered the question.
The small group directs itself although a facilitator can be used to ensure time constraints and goals are adhered too.
Maximum transfer of knowledge and experience will most likely occur at this type of luncheon.

Tips for making the small group type successful
Limit the time to for each person to answer the question to just a few minutes to ensure everyone at the table has a chance to answer the question and for discussion to occur.
Any remaining time should be used for socialization among the group at each table.

The Combination Type Starts Off Moves To

Understanding the Combination Type
Contains elements of both seminar and small group types.
Starts off as a seminar type but the speaker is very limited on presentation time.
After the speaker is finished the rest of the luncheon moves into the small group type format. Each person at the table is asked to answer at least one pre-determined question revolving around the speakers presentation.
After the person answers the questions the other members of the table can comment, ask for further elaboration or discuss what was said.
This process is repeated until all personnel at the table have answered the question.
The small group directs itself although a facilitators can be used to ensure time constraints are adhered too.
Very useful for organizational problem solving and brain storming!

Tips for making the combination type successful
Limit the speaker time to a maximum of 25% of the available time so that the small groups have adequate time available to them to address what has been presented.
Any remaining time after the small groups have finished should be used for socialization among the group at each table.
If used for problem solving ensure results are recorded at each table and handed in prior to departure from the luncheon.

Social Type

Understanding the Social Type
The primary purpose of the social type is for each of the persons at the small group table to get to know one another and what each does.
Used mainly to build trust and establish social and networking links between the individuals involved.

Tips for making the small group type successful
An ice breaker is often needed in order to get people to start talking in this type of luncheon.
Consider having each person at the table start off by introducing themselves and talking about what they do.

Countering the Clique Effect
It is human nature for people to tend to only sit together with people that they already know. This can be referred to as the “Clique Effect”.
When the clique effect occurs knowledge transfer is impeded or minimized since the individuals already know each other and are often unable to transfer anything new. Also no new trust building, social or networking links can be established.
To counter the clique effect number the table at the luncheon event and than have participants draw a number when they enter the room. The number drawn reflects the table they are to sit at. This simple randomization technique ensures people meet and socialize with at least a few people they do not know. This method breaks up the “clique” effect that is often a barrier to knowledge transfer and learning within organizations.

General tips for making brown bag luncheons successful
If available use round tables with a maximum seating capacity of no more than 10. Six or less is optimal. Round tables are often perceived by those who sit at them as everyone being equal. Also each individual at the table can easily see all other members at the table. Maximizes the feeling of inclusion.
Consider using the Chatham House rule during the luncheon. This will ensure people feel free to speak. If you utilize this rule be sure to announce it at the beginning of the luncheon!
Keep the luncheon as informal and fun as possible.
Do not hold these luncheons more than once a month, at most, or people will grow quickly tired of them. Consider just one a quarter. Less is better so people continue to enjoy them!
If possible arrange for the luncheon to be held outside of the normal work place environment to minimize possible interruptions and put people at ease. When doing this allow extra time for the luncheon for travel to and from the chosen location.

The Chatham House Rule
When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.

Brown Bag Lunch Strategy

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