Nancy M. Dixon considers herself a “conversation architect.” She is the founder of Common Knowledge Associates, a management consulting firm that helps organizations create conversations where the transfer and sharing of knowledge happens, where new knowledge is created, and where innovation arises. She bases her work on Margaret Mead’s words, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Before founding Common Knowledge Associates in 2000, Dixon was a professor at the George Washington University for 15 years, and before that she was at the University of Texas, in Austin. She has written eight books as well as over 50 articles that focus on how organizations learn, including Common Knowledge: How Companies Thrive by Sharing What They Know, and Dialogue at Work. Her latest thinking is on her blog, Conversation Matters, at www.nancydixonblog.com. She can be reached at nancydixon@commonknowledge.org.
When the instinct for self-preservation keeps employees silent the loss of knowledge significantly reduces an organization’s ability to act effectively.
Ivey Businesss School