The Power of Curation and Employee Appreciation: Connecting the Dots

The Power of Curation and Employee Appreciation: Connecting the Dots

In today's world of informational abundance, content curation has emerged as a new form of authorship. Just as curators in the art world carefully select and organize artwork around a theme, online curators gather and present content that they deem culturally significant. However, with the ever-increasing volume of information available, it is crucial to develop new models of archiving to preserve the full dimension and context of these valuable information nodes.

One example of effective content curation is Maria Popova's Twitter feed. Initially, she started it as an extension of her existing readers' experience, providing additional treats like the extras on a DVD. However, the Twitter feed took on a life of its own and became the primary driver for new readers. This highlights the fact that curation can have a life of its own and can attract a wider audience with its breadth and cross-disciplinary curiosity.

The rise of new tools, especially Twitter, challenges the traditional notion of attention as something that is either given or taken away. Instead, these tools allow us to direct attention to destinations where it can be sustained with more concentration and immersion. While old media struggled with the scarcity of information, new media face the challenge of information overload. However, these new tools also enable people to discover the most relevant and impactful information, in any medium, and connect it to other information in a networked ecosystem of meaning that deepens our understanding of the world and each other.

It is important to remember that Twitter is a constantly evolving platform, shaped by its users. Features like the photo-sharing service were introduced because the communication on this ever-changing platform demanded them. This highlights the power of Twitter to give people the ability to express themselves and gather like-minded individuals.

Moreover, content curation itself is a form of creative labor, yet our current models for crediting this labor are inadequate or non-existent. Recognizing content curation and information discovery as forms of creative labor and finding ways to acknowledge and codify this acknowledgement is the next frontier in how we think about intellectual property in the information age.

Shifting our focus to employee appreciation, Kudos play a significant role in fostering motivation, recognition, and reward within organizations. The word "Kudos" originates from ancient Greek, meaning "glory" or "praise." It represents recognition, appreciation, respect, and honor for fellow employees. When employees receive Kudos, they are more likely to reciprocate by giving Kudos to their teammates, creating a snowball effect of appreciation within the organization.

Studies have shown that every minute spent in employee appreciation and recognition yields a higher return on investment compared to hours spent on other tasks. Meaningful recognition in the form of Kudos serves as a powerful motivator across various work structures. It is essential to cultivate a culture of appreciation by giving Kudos liberally to everyone who deserves it, just as you would plant apples if you want to grow apples.

There are numerous ways to give Kudos, ranging from email or handwritten notes of thanks to shoutouts on Kudos software platforms like Matter or the Slack Kudos app. Physical awards, Kudos points, or even Kudo-candy can be used to recognize and appreciate employees. It's important to note that Kudos can flow in all directions within an organization, from coworkers to higher-ups, fostering a sense of shared appreciation and recognition.

In conclusion, the power of curation and employee appreciation lies in their ability to connect people, ideas, and accomplishments. Content curation allows us to navigate the sea of information and discover valuable insights while employee appreciation fuels motivation and fosters a positive work environment. To harness these powers effectively, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace the evolving landscape: Stay abreast of new tools and platforms like Twitter, recognizing their potential to reshape the way we consume and share information.

• 2. Recognize the labor of curation: Advocate for better models and systems that acknowledge content curation and information discovery as forms of creative labor, ensuring that curators receive the credit they deserve.

• 3. Foster a culture of appreciation: Incorporate regular and meaningful recognition practices, such as giving Kudos, to motivate and engage employees at all levels of the organization.

By connecting the dots between curation and employee appreciation, we can create a more informed, engaged, and appreciated workforce, ultimately driving success and growth in the digital age.