The Power of Highlighting and Building Great Organizations

The Power of Highlighting and Building Great Organizations

Introduction:

In today's digital age, where information is readily available at our fingertips, it can be challenging to navigate through the vast sea of content. Whether it's an engaging Medium post or building a successful organization, there are key aspects that play a crucial role. In this article, we will explore the significance of highlighting text snippets in Medium posts and the concept of "First Who...Then What?" in building great organizations.

Highlighting: A Social Cue and Engagement Tool

Highlighting has emerged as an innovative way to express appreciation and engage with others in the digital realm. When we highlight text snippets in someone's Medium post, we not only convey what parts resonated with us but also provide valuable feedback to the author. It serves as a social cue, indicating what we found most engaging and worthwhile to read. This feature not only helps authors understand what worked in their article but also stimulates debate and creates social cohesion in the emotional response to the content.

Medium's Unique Selling Proposition:

One of the reasons why highlighting is a beloved feature on Medium is its absence from many other interactive blogging settings. It sets Medium apart as a platform that values reader engagement and encourages meaningful discussions. By allowing readers to highlight and share their thoughts on specific passages, Medium fosters a sense of community, where individuals can connect and engage with like-minded people. This unique selling proposition enhances the overall reading experience and makes Medium a preferred platform for many.

First Who...Then What? - Building Great Organizations:

Shifting our focus to building great organizations, we delve into the concept of "First Who...Then What?" introduced by Jim Collins. This concept emphasizes the importance of having the right people on board before determining the direction of the organization. Collins suggests that by prioritizing the selection of individuals who align with the organization's values and goals, we set the stage for success.

The Power of the Right People:

Collins argues that if we have the right people on the bus and in the key seats, we can navigate our organization towards greatness. When individuals are on board because of the other exceptional team members, it becomes easier to change direction as needed. The right people possess an inherent drive and commitment that eliminates the need for constant motivation and micromanagement. They are self-motivated and dedicated to delivering their best results, regardless of the incentive system in place.

Compensation and the Right People:

Contrary to popular belief, Collins found no systematic pattern linking executive compensation to the process of transforming a good company into a great one. The evidence suggests that it's not the structure of executive compensation that matters but rather the selection of the right executives in the first place. A compensation system should aim to attract and retain the right individuals who align with the organization's values and vision. It should not be a tool to elicit desired behavior from the wrong people.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the power of highlighting: When reading and engaging with content online, make use of the highlighting feature to show appreciation and provide valuable feedback to authors. This not only benefits the author but also fosters a sense of community and encourages meaningful discussions.

2. Prioritize the right people: When building organizations, focus on selecting individuals who align with the organization's values and goals. By having the right people on board, you increase the chances of success and create a self-motivated team.

3. Rethink executive compensation: Instead of solely relying on compensation as a means to drive performance, prioritize the selection of the right executives. The right people will deliver exceptional results regardless of the specific incentive structure.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both highlighting in Medium posts and the concept of "First Who...Then What?" in building organizations highlight the significance of the right people. Highlighting serves as an engagement tool and social cue, while selecting the right individuals sets the foundation for organizational success. By embracing the power of highlighting and prioritizing the right people, we can create a thriving community of engaged readers and build organizations that surpass expectations.