Social media demands for corporate leaders to be accessible to customers and stakeholders. It has the power to establish authority within an industry, to enhance credibility, and provide a response for reputation management.
Social media has also brought about another leadership trend, an increase in CEO accountability to customers and the communities they serve. In a hyper-responsive social environment, stake-holders demand relevant, timely and personal replies to their messages. This expectation exists whether or not executives are engaging on social media.
In recent years, social media engagement has become critical for C-Suite success. Modern C-Suite executives have to master a variety of new digital skills to stay relevant in today’s global business world. The use of social media has created more forward-looking, effective leaders, dramatically transforming today’s communications landscape.
Social Media won’t be optional in the near future – it’s not a passing trend. CEOs need to understand that in order to gain the respect of their clients, their industry and their staff, they simply must be present and active on social media. The good news is that the bar for CEO social media participation has been set so low that there is a huge opportunity to get in early and capitalise.