Why be a social CEO?

Are you a business leader without an online presence? During this time of great challenge, your employees, clients and peers are using digital and social to build a bigger and more engaged community; it has never been a more important time to be part of the conversation. Communication trends already show that those leaders with strong profiles are good for business, a nation working from home will only quicken the pace of change in the way we engage all with each other.

Studies into organisational engagement reveal that people are more likely to trust a company whose MD / CEO uses social media. In times of challenge and change, the person at the helm needs to be the visible face of an organisation and we have seen examples of this over the past few weeks as the people in charge issue personal statements of care, concern and business update.

Leaders who engage online are regarded as company brand ambassadors, ‘humanising’ organisations and giving them a personality behind the corporate. The current crisis has compelled people to share more of who they are behind their professional personas as the boundaries between home and work life become, not so much blurred, but almost interchangeable. Embracing a digital presence and engaging across social media is one way a business leader can connect with others inside and outside of their organisation on a more human level at this time.

And how to be human? By being authentic. The role of the MD / CEO has been changing rapidly over the years. Future leaders require a set of skills that enables them to engage with a vast array of stakeholders, across all channels and in all situations, good and bad. The future business leader needs to be able to convey the corporate culture of their business and translate its values in a manner that motivates and engages others in a logical and emotional way. At a time when we all need to maintain engagement with each other, this is a perfect opportunity to show your personality in leadership.