A key part of this session focused on leadership social coaching because social business has to start with social leaders. Altimeter/LinkedIn research shows that executives at socially engaged companies are 50% more likely to actively encourage employee use of professional social media. Tip #1 – Pick The Right Executive Not every leader is going to become a social superstar. Instead, focus on 1-2 leaders that are interesting and willing to experiment. Are they already active on social media? If you don’t give them mobile first social media direction, it will never work. For example, start week 1 by asking them to follow the “Rule of Threes” – make three new connections, share three pieces of content and engage (like/comment) on three posts. Little wins will show it’s working. ====================================================== Supporting to leadership to be more socially active takes time. These tips are based on my experience of working with leaders to help them adopt a more social approach to business.
This week I visited Berlin to talk employee advocacy and social leadership with internal communication professionals. A key part of this session focused on leadership social coaching because social business has to start with social leaders. Altimeter/LinkedIn research shows that executives at socially engaged companies are 50% more likely to actively encourage employee use of professional social media.
On the flight home yesterday I read a fascinating HBR interview with John Legere, T-Mobiles tweeting CEO. He explained that…
“Social media has become a key part of my leadership strategy. It is a way of driving my business. If someone complains, I’ll tweet him/her my email address and make sure we follow up internally”
This is a guy who has a special line on his office phone so he can instantly listen into random customer service calls without anyone knowing to check-in on the customer experience. Someone who understands the value of listening and the transparency of social leadership.
However, too many leaders are shying away from stepping into social. In fact, just 61% of the Fortune 500 CEOs have no social media presence.
Why? I’ve heard nearly every reason in the book including lack of time, don’t know how to, social media is for my kids and the best one…I have nothing to say.
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So, how do you get your leadership team embracing social?
Tip #1 – Pick The Right Executive
Not every leader is going to become a social superstar. Instead, focus on 1-2 leaders that are interesting and willing to experiment. Check their LinkedIn profile. Are they well connected? Are they already active on social media? Ask them if they’re interested in building their professional brand online and set their expectation up front. Tell them that you will give them the coaching support but they must commit to investing time – approx 1-2 hours per week.
Tip #2 – Speak In Their Language
It’s important to frame the benefit message of becoming a social leader in a language they understand. Talking to an HR leader? Then focus on employer branding, referral recruitment and employee engagement. Talking…
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