Robert Polkowski

Senior Knowledge Manager , Perkins Eastman Architects

Biography

Robert Polkowski

Robert Polkowski is the Senior Knowledge Manager at Perkins Eastman Architects.  Most recently Robert designed and oversaw the implementation of SharePoint as the new intranet platform at the firm.  This effort involved coordinating the technology consultant team, in-house IT Department, and graphic design team to build the new environment, as well as leading the Knowledge Management Team to evaluate and transfer content, gather user feedback, determine usability, and develop the strategy to successfully employ Web 2.0 tools in a manner consistent with corporate culture.

Robert has worked extensively alongside users and stakeholders to devise, develop and maintain various information databases, user training programs and CRM pieces. In this capacity he has helped develop a number of communities of practice with geographically sparse populations and unique communications needs, while facilitating team collaboration, enhancing the intranet portal.

Robert is a native of Brazil, and graduated Cum Laude from Hunter College with a double major in Philosophy and English.  He is currently attending the New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business Langone MBA program.

Perkins Eastman Architects

Perkins Eastman specializes in progressive and innovative design that exceeds client goals and enhances the human experience. Since its founding in 1981, Perkins Eastman has become a leading international architecture, urban design, and interior design firm offering programming, planning, design, strategic planning, and consulting services.

Presentation

Embracing Online Team Spaces – Fun, Freedom and Functionality

Case: Perkins Eastman Architects

Intranet, Conference Day #2, Thursday May 6th, 4.00 pm - 5.00 pm

In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis most of us have observed - if not experienced - a wave of negativity and low morale.  Teams have been reduced and fragmented, often becoming overworked and overstressed.   In this session we will explore how we can best partner with users and stakeholders alike to develop new online collaboration spaces at a time when uncertainty is high, and budgets are at a minimum.

We will talk about finding out what the teams want, what the firms want, how to balance the two - and whether they the same. We will examine how Web 2.0 can fit into this paradox by providing:

  • Fun: a social space for the team to share, learn, and bond; a place where employees want to be.
  • Freedom: financial crisis or not, the shadow of big brother can stop a team on its tracks.  Learn to prevent it from stopping your project.
  • Functionality: if there is no value, there will not be any buy-in.  How can you deliver ROI to your firm, and to the employees?

See slides online