For the ASKing

One of the few things of value to survive the knowledge management movement of the late 19905 is an online site for managers at, interestingly enough, NASA. The publication, with the awkward name of Academy Sharing Knowledge, or ASK, gives NASA managers the opportunity to tell each other stories about successes, failures and lessons learned. It is a publication every federal manager should read.

ASK (appl.nasa.gov/ask) uses a young technology, the Web, to disseminate the lessons, but it uses an ancient technique, storytelling, to help managers become better at their jobs. It's a refreshing change from consultant-speak books filled with jargon and catchphrases. It's far easier to peruse than Government Accountability Office and inspector general reviews, which force managers to read between the lines for leadership lessons. InASK, managers tell stories in their own words.