Community Takes All: The Power of Social+ and Learning in Public

Community Takes All: The Power of Social+ and Learning in Public

In today's digital age, the power of social+ and learning in public has become increasingly apparent. The best version of every consumer product is one that is intrinsically social, where the social element is critical to the overall product experience. It's not just about having a social graph; it's about creating a unique and inseparable connection between the product and its users.

Take, for example, the success of Pinduoduo, a social commerce platform that has seen exponential growth in just a few years. Its market cap went from zero to over $100 billion, showcasing the immense potential of social commerce. By incorporating a social element into the transaction layer of their product, Pinduoduo has tapped into the power of community engagement and reaped the rewards.

But it's not just about commerce. Social+ can be applied to various industries and activities. From virtual kitchens to food delivery to meal kits, we've seen innovation in the food industry. However, social+ food, where the social element is intrinsic to the dining experience, has proven elusive. Humans are social beings, and we crave connection and community beyond social media. By finding ways to layer social into activities we already know and love, we can create a more engaging and fulfilling experience.

On the other hand, learning in public has also gained traction as a powerful tool for personal and organizational growth. Traditionally, learning has been confined to workshops and case-based events, which may not be frequent enough to keep up with the pace of change in today's world. By shifting towards a "socialized knowledge management system," where learning is made public and individuals have the opportunity to share their knowledge and insights, organizations can enhance knowledge flow and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) is a framework that can enhance knowledge flows within organizations. It starts by focusing on the needs and desires of the individual, allowing them to seek, sense, and share knowledge. By making each person's flow of knowledge public, organizations can tap into the collective intelligence of their workforce and improve overall performance.

Learning in public may initially be a challenging process, as it requires transparency and vulnerability. However, the feedback, support, and resultant improvements are invaluable. By making our work transparent, we can develop critical next practices in our increasingly complex workplaces. Transparency is the key to sharing and developing knowledge, and it paves the way for new management frameworks in a networked world.

So, how can individuals and organizations harness the power of social+ and learning in public? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace the social element: Whether you're designing a product or planning a learning initiative, consider how you can incorporate a social element that is critical to the overall experience. Think beyond traditional social media and find ways to create genuine connections and foster communities.

• 2. Make learning public: Encourage individuals within your organization to share their knowledge and insights openly. Provide platforms and opportunities for employees to seek, sense, and share knowledge. By making learning a public process, you can tap into the collective intelligence of your workforce and drive innovation.

• 3. Foster transparency: Create a culture of transparency within your organization. Encourage open communication and feedback. Embrace vulnerability and create an environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their work and ideas. Transparency breeds trust and collaboration, essential ingredients for success in today's interconnected world.

In conclusion, the power of social+ and learning in public cannot be underestimated. By incorporating a social element into products and activities, we can create more engaging and fulfilling experiences. Similarly, by making learning public and fostering transparency, organizations can tap into the collective intelligence of their workforce and drive innovation. Embrace the power of community, connection, and knowledge sharing, and watch as your endeavors flourish.