The Latin root word “cura”, which means “to care” is where we get the word curator from. Someone who is specifically responsible to care for something. It was typically used in context as a caretaker of valuable historical collections, (think museum here).
The highest and best use of a curator is someone who is employed to care for the most valued thing. There is a strong argument to be made that the most valued thing in any company should be its people. The best operations are typically the ones that deeply care for their biggest asset, those same people. Sure, those people are affected by their product quality, but they are also responsible for it. If front line employees feel as though they are valued, they will strive to put out better product or service. Now the people are the ones affecting the product quality more so that product quality affecting people.
How the people “feel” about the place they work is of utmost importance because it is the first indicator of a culture that cares. Product will be determined by this. Services will be defined by this. Culture will be exposed by how the people feel. In today’s business climate, CEO’s must become the caretakers or curators of culture. Most other management levels are trying to climb ladders, solve problems or just keep jobs. Today’s C-Suite business leader must be the person in charge of caring for the people which in turn makes them the ‘Curators of Culture’.
August 8, 20244
