How to turn curation into knowledge-sharing

The 70:20:10 approach suggests that 20% of our learning comes from knowledge sharing. As corporate environments increasingly adopt this framework, the demand for effective knowledge-sharing strategies has grown. Many learning managers see the need to shift from traditional top-down knowledge management to a user-focused, bottom-up approach to creating content.  

This shift is driven by three key factors: staying relevant, adapting quickly to change, and streamlining content creation within tighter budgets. By giving SMEs more control over knowledge sharing, this change ensures organizations maintain a reliable knowledge base, stay adaptable to new demands, and use resources efficiently. 

Let’s explore how content curation can make this shift more practical and ensure that knowledge sharing becomes an everyday practice in your organization. 

Discover our full guide on knowledge sharing. 

Using curated content to enable knowledge-sharing 

Within the 70:20:10 framework, content curation is a fast and effective way for SMEs to share knowledge. But for curated content to qualify as true knowledge sharing, it must go beyond simply collecting links. Adding context and personal insights transforms your content curation strategy into a meaningful learning resource. Let’s look at how this works. 

What is curation? 

Curation in the context of knowledge sharing involves compiling and sharing selected resources, such as articles, videos, or tools, along with an explanation of why they are relevant. Simply put, it’s more than a list of links—it’s a thoughtful selection of content enriched with the curator’s expertise and reasoning. 

For example, instead of sharing a dozen links about a topic, an SME can explain why each link was chosen and how it connects to specific learning objectives. This approach ensures that curated content adds real value and helps learners understand how to apply the knowledge. 

Technology also plays a role in making curation effective. Whether using tools or platforms like LinkedIn, blogs, or other sharing methods, the same principles apply. The key is to add value by providing context and tying selections to clear objectives or challenges. 

Steps to transform curation into knowledge-sharing 

The collection 

As an SME, you naturally gather a lot of information related to your field. This collection forms the starting point of your curated content. However, simply sharing all this information is like performing a Google search—useful but not impactful. 

To avoid overwhelming your audience, focus on curating a selection of the most relevant and useful resources. Attention spans are shorter than ever, so a smaller, high-quality selection will ensure each piece of content keeps your audience engaged and saves them time. For example, instead of presenting a full list of resources, aim to identify the top five that are most actionable and directly aligned with your learning objectives. 

A well-curated collection allows learners to focus on the most valuable resources. This ensures they find what they need quickly without feeling lost in too many options. 

The selection and motivation 

After narrowing down your collection, explain why you chose specific resources. Sharing the reasons behind your selection is the first step in turning curation into knowledge sharing. For example, let your audience know how these resources address specific challenges or align with their goals. 

Providing this context helps learners assess whether the curated content is worth their time. It also builds trust in your expertise as a curator, as they understand that the content is tailored to their needs. You could add brief summaries or key takeaways for each resource to make it easier for learners to decide which ones to explore further. 

Additionally, linking the curated content to business goals or team objectives can make it even more relevant. For instance, highlight how a particular resource aligns with team priorities or solves a pressing problem. 

Adding context 

Adding context is where curation truly becomes knowledge sharing. For each selected resource, provide a brief explanation of its relevance and importance. For instance: 

• Why did you include this resource? 

• How does it connect to the broader topic or objective? 

• What specific insights or takeaways should learners focus on? 

If the topic is complex, consider organizing the content into sections, each with its own introduction and summary. This structure makes it easier for learners to navigate and understand the material. Adding visuals or infographics can also make the context clearer and improve retention. 

Including real-world examples or case studies enhances the impact of curated content. Learners engage more with material that shows practical applications or success stories relevant to their work. 

Why curation is essential for modern knowledge sharing 

Curation is more than a time-saver; it makes learning more engaging and efficient. By curating content thoughtfully, SMEs can: 

• Save time for learners: A well-curated selection reduces the time learners spend searching for information. 

• Boost engagement: Adding context and motivation makes the content more relatable and useful. 

• Improve retention: Highlighting key takeaways helps learners remember and apply what they’ve learned. 

Curated content can also fill gaps in traditional training by offering timely and relevant content. This flexibility makes it a useful tool for fast-changing environments where quick access to knowledge is critical. 

By using curation as a tool, organizations can create a learning culture that helps both individuals and teams grow. This ensures that the organization remains adaptable and ready for future challenges. 

Conclusion

When done well, content curation is a powerful tool within the 70:20:10 framework. By adding context, sharing motivations, and carefully selecting resources, SMEs can turn curated content into impactful knowledge sharing. This method helps streamline the way information is shared, ensuring it meets the unique needs of learners. It not only solves common knowledge management challenges but also encourages a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.  

By making curated content clear and practical, organizations can align their training materials with real-world applications, ensuring that learning stays relevant, engaging, and effective.