Practical Techniques

Technique 1: Provide Scaffolding and Structure for Sharing

Reduce the perceived burden and anxiety of unstructured sharing:

• Offer specific templates or formats for documentation or presentations.
• Suggest co-presenting or co-mentoring initially.
• Break down large knowledge-sharing tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
• Provide clear guidelines on the scope and audience for their sharing.

Structure makes the task feel less daunting and more achievable.

Technique 2: Offer Specific, Actionable Positive Feedback

Build confidence by highlighting concrete successes:

• “The way you explained X in that session really clicked for the team.”
• “The guide you wrote on Y has already been used successfully Z times.”
• “Person A specifically mentioned how your one-on-one help clarified things for them.”

Specific, evidence-based feedback counters self-doubt more effectively than general praise.

Technique 3: Create Low-Risk Environments for Practice

Allow expertise to be shared in less intimidating settings first:

• Facilitate informal knowledge-sharing sessions within a small, trusted group.
• Encourage mentoring relationships where expertise is shared one-on-one.
• Utilize asynchronous sharing methods (e.g., contributing to a wiki) before live presentations.

Gradual exposure builds confidence for potentially higher-stakes sharing later.

Why These Approaches Work

These techniques work because they:

• Directly address the anxieties often underlying reluctance (fear of judgment, imposter syndrome).
• Build confidence through successful, supported experiences.
• Reduce the perceived risk associated with claiming expertise.
• Provide practical support that makes sharing easier and less stressful.

Focus on Contribution, Not Personality

Frame support around enabling their valuable contribution, not “fixing” their reluctance. Focus on creating supportive conditions rather than changing their personality.

Additional Considerations

• Understand the specific source of reluctance if possible (e.g., past negative experiences, fear of questions, public speaking anxiety).
• Ensure they have adequate time and resources allocated for knowledge-sharing activities.
• Protect them from being overwhelmed with questions once they start sharing – establish clear channels.
• Acknowledge that not everyone needs to become a formal trainer; find sharing methods that fit their style.

Related Tips & Concepts

See also: Building Authority Confidence, Creating Comfortable Teaching Formats, Understanding Authority Anxiety