Corporate Connections and Social Networking: Worksona

Back on October 5th I did a post about social networking and its potential application in organizations:

"Instead of filling each other's email folders with forwards, cc's, and cover-your-behind messages, a lot of organizational knowledge could be shared and archived in a way that's more interesting and useful. Digital images can be parked for researchers in different locations to access. Projects could be organized by topic. Ideas could be inserted by people with knowledge or interest who aren't on the official email distribution. Employees could know what's happening in real-time; they wouldn't have to wait for a company newsletter.

I understand that security is an issue. Many company intranets have already addressed that issue so it's do-able.

Social networking is 'what's happening'--why not use it to make things happen on the job."

If this makes sense to you, have a look at Worksona. They're all about launching communities inside of existing organizations, which alleviates some of the angst around security and makes it all about connecting on the inside.

Comments

[Viji]

Thanks for the link Steve. Very useful. Viji

[holly]

Hi Steve!

Thanks for posting about us. We find that networking within your organization, giving recognition to your co-workers, and connecting with them can only bring success and increase employee engagement within the workplace! Look forward to more of your thoughts as we grow!

Holly

[holly]

Ooops..forgot to mention that we are in private beta in just a few companies, so if folks are interested in starting a community (not already supported) at their workplace, they will need to put their name and company on the waitlist:

http://www.worksona.com/comingsoon

[Wally Bock]

Social networking may be part of the future of what we now (laughingly) call "knowledge management." It can be used as a part of a company strategy for dealing with boomer retirements. It can be combined with other simple tools like email discussion groups or wikis to share and document what people in an organization know and who knows it.

[steveroesler]

Viji: As Holly mentions in her comment, the product is still in beta. But I think this is where we're headed in internal connectedness.

Holly: Pleased to give a little love to the new product and look forward to hearing about it's progress.

Wally: Exactly. There are probably as many potential uses--productive uses--as there are people who are looking for connected solutions (Man, don't attribute that to me, it's about as sterile as 'knowledge management'!).

I find social networking tools more natural and conversational than emails. Sort of the difference between telling people a real story and showing them bullet points on Powerpoint.

[George Ogilvie]

I don't believe in social networking. If the only reason that people do it is for a little 'worthless' recognition from their peers, they really need to get a life. If their supervisors and managers aren't aware of their accomplishments, all the recognition in the world WILL NOT PAY THE BILLS.

[steveroesler]

George,

Well, I would certainly agree with the part about "only doing it for...recognition". That isn't the intent or the value, although any time some acknowledgment is conveyed in a "public" setting it certainly can have a positive effect on the atmosphere.

The platform discussed here has to do with a tool for exchanging information internally that's more broad-based, conversational, and immediate than email.

Thanks for taking time to comment. . .

[Bo]

George poses an interesting point-of-view.

Here's an example of employee X. Employee X would spend my days alone in a cubicle doing work that didn't make any real changes for people. He would puzzle over logic problems on his computer, or look for ways to avoid confrontation with people who were always looking to fill his time with the busy-work they wanted to avoid.

Employee X and his co-workers spent most of their waking hours doing work that really didn't matter to them. They never talked. They never connected. It just never occured to them that they all might have real lives, ideas, and passions.

I figure George may be Employee X.

Any social networking site is really about building relationships. Worksona seems to focus on the relationships that naturally exist in the corporate environment.

I believe worksona works in the direction of enhancing and leveraging these relationships, and can give work more meaning.

[Joe Blow]

I am HAPPY to report that worksona has been OFFICIALLY BLOCKED by my firm:-)

[Steve Roesler]

Joe:

If you have a specific issue that would be useful for people to know about--and an actual name, please submit it.

[zhafran]

There are six simple tips and suggestions that can greatly increase the workplace motivation.

1. When management tries to control employees, the end result is bad. Employees need to have some control over what they are doing.
They need to be able to think on their own and rationalize why they are doing this job a certain way. If it makes sense to them, it is easier to do it.
2. There has to be rewards for a job well done. People are motivated by words of affirmation, monetary awards such as bonuses, gifts or promotions. If these are not handed out, what is the point in doing a great job?
3. Room for error has to be accepted by management. We are only human. There will be mistakes and failures. The responsibility of management needs to be having a plan in place when something does go wrong.

4. A friendly, fun environment is a must. No one wants to go to work where you are not allowed to laugh. People can socialize and work at the same time!

5. Another important issue in achieving workplace motivation is job description. Management should never be above doing the same tasks as the employee if they are needed.
6. creating a bonus plan Bonuses can be awarded for finishing work ahead of time, too. Rewards such as certificates with people's names on them can work too as the incentive need not necessarily be expensive, only desired.
http://motivationnews.com/