Social media for Aspiring CEOs: A reflection of leadership
There was once a time where social media was a luxury tool or toy for the career-minded. In the new age of executive job searches, however, social media cannot be ignored. It is not just a tool, but it can play a role as critical as a resume or cover.
Social media has taken on such a prominent role in recent times not so much for the action itself- but for what the action represents. The type of executive candidates that corporate boards covet typically possess a skill set and mentality that is compatible with having a strong social presence. These types of individuals represent the modern business leader.
One of the attributes that is perceived through an active social media presence to corporate boards is a “bias for action.” A bias for action refers to the go-get-it attitude that exemplifies those executives who strive for greatness and take their organizations to new heights. These types of individuals live by a “ready, fire, aim” outlook; in today’s modern business environment, this has never been more necessary as continuous social conversation waits for no one.
The executive candidate who is strong on social media embodies this characteristic in that they are constantly on top of their accounts and ready to make decisions at a moment’s notice. These type of people are frequently online, live, in the moment, and therefore ready to respond and engage in real time. The same type of attitude is a necessity in any executive position.
Another unique attribute perceived of executive candidates on social media is that they are individuals who are prepared to get their hands dirty. Chief executives who look up information on social networks and search engines rather than asking an assistant to do it are flocking to social. These are leaders who don’t want to hear input from clients or consumers filtered through layers of hierarchy. They don’t want to see a summary report on employee morale or customer satisfaction. They want their input raw and without any manipulation. They are leaders who have faith in their abilities and want to ensure that they are driving the best possible outcomes for those under their guidance.
A CEO is more than the decision-maker for operations. A CEO must also be the face of the organization. Individuals admire the executive leaders whose brands, both personal and corporate, are crafted responsibly; similarly, the public at-large revile those whose company is seen as autocratic, greedy and apathetic. As goes the personal brand of a CEO, so goes the corporate brand.
Socially conscious CEOs are those who are building their personal brand whenever they engage on social media. When they do this in an authentic and generous way, they’re also improving their company’s brand. It is only natural, therefore, that corporate boards look for this branding proficiency when undertaking the executive role search.
Approachability is increasing becoming an essential component of the modern workforce. CEOs can no longer be bunkered down behind closed office doors with no engagement with their employees. The most successful executives are those who are out amongst the workforce, answering questions and problem-solving. This sort of behavior creates a greater sense of organizational pride and engagement- which can indirectly lead to increased morale and productivity. The type of individual who maintains a strong social media presence is quite likely to be the same individual who can thrive with such inter-office approachability.
In the end, social media is not important in-and-of itself. Rather it is a symbol of the characteristics that great leaders need to embody within companies. If you aspire to reach the ranks of CEO, there is no greater platform to demonstrate your skill-set, or to refine your continuously improving traits, than through social media.
