What challenge did Stikeman Elliot face in developing an effective KM system?

The challenge that Stikeman Elliott faced in developing an effective Knowledge Management (KM) system was freeing partners from client work. This issue highlights a common difficulty in implementing KM systems within organizations, particularly professional service firms like law firms. Partners often have significant workloads, primarily focused on client-related tasks, which can limit their availability to contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives. Without the necessary time and focus given to share their expertise and insights, the effectiveness of a KM system can be significantly diminished. Thus, creating a culture where partners prioritize sharing their knowledge becomes crucial for the success of such systems.

Addressing this challenge also involves re-evaluating how partners allocate their time and finding ways to incentivize participation in knowledge sharing. When partners are encouraged or required to contribute their knowledge without compromising their client obligations, the overall quality and accessibility of the knowledge base can improve, leading to better outcomes for the firm as a whole.