April is Administrative Professionals Month, and at SDA, we’re taking time to recognize the dedicated professionals who keep A/E/C firms running smoothly. Many of our members may not always be in the spotlight—but day in and day out, they bring knowledge, leadership, and consistency to their teams. This month, we're celebrating their contributions by sharing insights, experiences, and stories that highlight the value they bring to our industry and to one another. This week we hear from Nikki Pierce, CDFA, LEED AP.  Nikki is a member of our National Membership Committee and a Member-at-Large located in Charlotte, NC.

In the A/E/C industry, knowledge is the foundation of a successful firm. When employees have access to the right information—clear expectations, policies, and best practices—everyone benefits. A culture of knowledge sharing improves efficiency, fosters innovation, and strengthens your firm’s ability to grow and adapt.

Getting Started: Key Questions to Ask

Before diving into improvements, take a moment to assess your firm's current knowledge-sharing practices. Ask yourself:

• Is critical knowledge clearly documented and easy to find?
• Are policies and standards up to date and well-labeled?
• Can employees quickly connect with subject matter experts?

If the answers aren’t clear, it may be time to advocate for a stronger, more structured approach to knowledge sharing.

Organizing and Labeling Information for Better Access

Once you've identified areas for improvement, focus on making information organized, accessible, and reliable. Consider these best practices:

• Group similar content together – Store all accounting policies in one location, HR guidelines in another, etc.
• Use clear labeling and alphabetical order – This makes it easier to navigate without needing a hierarchy.
• Date all content – Keeping timestamps visible ensures accuracy and prevents outdated information from circulating.
• Control editing rights – Limit access to a small team to maintain information integrity.
• Maintain an archive – A historical record allows teams to reference older policies when needed.

Taking Action: Where to Start

A small, intentional step can create a big impact. Start with a clear goal, like:
"By the end of the quarter, all Project Management documents will be updated, dated, and stored in a central location."

From there, follow these steps:

1. Gather all existing documentation.
2. Update the content and include the latest dates.
3. Develop a plan for implementation.
4. Seek feedback and support from key stakeholders.
5. Publish the content in an accessible location.
6. Communicate where to find the information and how to use it.

By championing knowledge sharing within your firm, you help create an environment where collaboration thrives, efficiency improves, and teams are empowered with the right information.

Thanks Nikki. Creating a culture of knowledge sharing doesn’t happen overnight—but every small step makes a difference. Whether you're organizing documentation, encouraging collaboration, or simply starting the conversation within your firm, your advocacy can have a lasting impact. By making knowledge accessible and empowering others to contribute, you're not just improving operations—you’re strengthening your entire team.

We’d love to hear from you! What strategies have worked in your firm to promote knowledge sharing? Drop a comment below and join the conversation—let’s keep learning from one another.