Deep smarts

Abstract

Deep smarts are not philosophical-they are not in that sense-but they are as close to wisdom as business gets. Throughout your organization, there are people with deep smarts. Their judgment and knowledge-both explicit and tacit-are stored in their heads and hands. Their knowledge is essential. The organization cannot progress without it. You will be a more effective manager if you understand what deep smarts are, how they are cultivated, and how they can be transferred from one person to another. Very few organizations manage this asset well, perhaps because it's difficult to pin down and measure. Such neglect is risky.