Unknown knowns

• An Unknown known can be considered untapped knowledge
  • Knowledge that we have, but we are not using it effectively
  • Knowledge that we have forgotten
  • Knowledge that we are not aware of
  • Knowledge that we do not know how to use

• Tacit knowledge can be considered an unknown known
  • Knowledge that is difficult to articulate or codify
  • Knowledge typically acquired through an individual’s experience

• Unknown knowns reside in the Clear domain near the Chaotic boundary
  • Knowledge embedded in an individual’s skills and habits and not explicitly codified and widely shared
  • Surfacing untapped knowledge represents a huge opportunity for failure prevention