2.1 What is Company history (the body of knowledge)?

Simply put, Company history is the knowledge employee s gain, serving an organization over time. The knowledge comes in many ways. It is an understanding of the Company culture, and their processes, how to use these processes, how to change them and how to improve them. It is an understanding of the why we do things the way we do the methods of getting those things done. It is an understanding of the tools used to do the job, and how to make the necessary tools if that is the case. This knowledge of the lessons learned develops as the Company s processes evolved into what they are now; it is also the way one gets something done. This is essential when one must use processes outside their influence, owned by other individuals or departments. In short, it is a highly irreplaceable body of knowledge that is passed from person to person and should be!

Figure 2.1: Downsizing Saves Salaries

Probably, the most important part of the Company history comes in the lessons learned the experience developed over time by the average worker, manager and leader in the organization. These people have always asked the question: What is the best and most efficient way to get things done? Many times, experience does save the Company money and improve processes. Over time the process change becomes the accepted process and only the process owner remembers who spurred the improvements. Lessons learned...