How To Create A Wiki And Use It As Effective Management Tool
Wikis can be used for all kinds of tasks ranging from setting up a family tree to managing your business. The possible uses of a Wiki are endless because of the flexible structure this medium provides. A Wiki literally allows you to fill in all the blanks. On area where this flexibility can be used to an advantage is managing a project or business by reaching goals and solving problems, something most people do on a daily basis. Using a Wiki as a management tool does not mean that it is only useful in a corporate context, as they can also be used in a less formal setting. Below are five steps to take when solving a problem or reaching a goal using a Wiki: 1. Find A Wiki Service: There are many Wiki services where you can create your own Wiki for free. A user friendly service is http://www.intodit.com, but a quick look with your favorite search engine should give you enough candidates to choose from. 2. Define Problem: The most important part in reaching a goal of solving a problem is defining the problem. It is crucial to state the problem in the correct way or you might end up working on a something that is not going to solve the problem or reach your goal. Add a page to your Wiki with the title 'The Problem' and enter the problem or goal you have formulated. 3. Set Goals: Goal setting theory states that it is best to set a goal that is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and attainable. Compare your goal with each of these five criteria and you know if you are on the right track. Goal setting theory also states that a goal has to be of medium difficulty: not too difficult to be unattainable and not too easy to have too little impact on the end result. Add a new page called 'Goals' to your Wiki where you list all the goals you defined. 4. Organize Resources: If you need other people to help you solve the problem or reach the goal, add them as members to your Wiki. This way they can help you with steps two and three, as well as learn how to create a Wiki to manage their own goals and problems.
5. Measure Progress: Measuring progress and reporting small wins is one of the more important steps to take if you want to successfully complete your problem or goals tasks. By using a Wiki you can create a progress page where other people can report on their progress. Having a single point of information on progress greatly improved the efficiency in reaching the goals.
Creating a Wiki to start and solve your problems and goals might be easy, but don’t forget to actively use it and follow up on problem stakeholders when needed. One way to do this is to invite them to the Wiki you created so they can familiarize themselves with the process and outcomes of the problem, which frees you from more extensive reporting.
About the Author: Create Wiki to reach goals and solve problems in a structured way. To start a Wiki for free, visit: http://www.intodit.com
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