A guide to curation in community and being an introverted leader

A guide to curation in community and being an introverted leader

Curation in community building is a valuable skill that benefits both the members and the community builder. As a community builder, the act of curating allows you to learn and understand the community you serve. By being aware of trends and passing on relevant information to your community, you establish yourself as an expert of your people.

Before you even start building your community, it is important to research the ecosystem and engage in community discovery. This involves learning about your members, their conversations, and the content they share. By gaining this knowledge, you can effectively curate content that is valuable and relevant to your community.

Continued curation ensures that you never run out of interesting questions to ask, content to write, and events to create. However, it is important to maintain structure in your curation process. While tags and categories can be helpful, having too many can be counterproductive and chaotic. The power of curation lies in the ability to connect the dots and provide a cohesive narrative for your community.

On the other hand, being an introverted leader comes with its own set of challenges and strengths. Introverted people tend to get drained after spending a lot of time with others. However, instead of viewing it as a problem to be solved, introverted leaders can capitalize on their strengths. Introverts are often good listeners, practice empathy, and excel in systemic thinking, analytical thinking, finding patterns, and connecting dots.

To recharge, introverted leaders need to prioritize moments of solitude and self-care. It is important to recognize when social interaction is draining and take the time to recharge. Additionally, talking about your introversion with your close team members can help create understanding and support.

Networking events can be a nightmare for introverted leaders, but consistency in small acts of helping others can be more powerful than occasional spotlights. Introverts do not need to become "party people" or the center of attention. Instead, they can focus on analyzing and understanding the situation.

Facilitated meetings can also be beneficial for introverted leaders, as they provide a structured environment for participation. In these meetings, introverted individuals may feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas.

Surrounding yourself with complementary people can also be effective. A combination of introverts and extroverts can bring different perspectives and skills to the table, creating a well-rounded team.

Above all, self-awareness is key for introverted leaders. Understanding your own strengths, limitations, and needs will allow you to navigate leadership roles effectively. Embrace your introversion and use it to your advantage, as introverts' brains are wired differently from extroverted individuals.

In conclusion, curation in community building and being an introverted leader both require a deep understanding of oneself and the community. By curating valuable content and embracing introversion, community builders and leaders can create meaningful connections and provide valuable experiences for their communities.

Actionable advice:

• 1. Prioritize self-awareness: Take the time to understand your strengths, limitations, and needs as an introverted leader. Embrace your introversion and use it to your advantage.

• 2. Practice effective curation: Continuously research and understand your community, curating valuable content that is relevant and engaging. Avoid excessive tags and categories that can be counterproductive.

• 3. Foster complementary relationships: Surround yourself with individuals who complement your skills and strengths. A combination of introverts and extroverts can create a powerful and well-rounded team.

By following these actionable advice, you can enhance your skills as a community builder and introverted leader, creating a thriving community and achieving success in your leadership role.