How to be a social media leader

Some people believe that great leaders are made, not born. Yes, it may be true that some people are born with natural talents. However, without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm, and without experience, there can be no true development in leadership. Remember that effective leaders are continually working and studying to improve their natural skills. This takes a commitment to constantly improve in whatever endeavour a person chooses.

First of all, let's define leadership. To be a leader, one must be able to influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. He contributes to the organization and cohesion of a group.

Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power. It is about encouraging others towards the goal of the organization. It is putting everyone on the same page and helping them see the big picture. Therefore, you must be a leader not a boss.

First of all, you have to get people to follow you. How is this accomplished?

People follow others when they see a clear sense of purpose. People will only follow you if they see that you know where you are going. Remember that bumper sticker? The one that says, don't follow me, I'm lost too? The same holds true for leadership. If you yourself do not know where you're headed to, chances are people will not follow you at all. On Twitter for example, write something thought provoking or meaningful that translates into value for others.  Conversely, when interacting with others on Facebook and you wish to make a commentary about the vagaries of a long job search, curry others' favour by asking others about their own experiences and then providing a solution.

Being a leader is not about what you make others do. It's about who you are, what you know, and what you do. Let's say that you are networking on Linkedin and researching potential companies. You discover that a particular company has a void in a particular area. You as the solution builder, as opposed to the job seeker, have an opportunity to propose your ideas to a potential company, not unlike a consultant making a proposal. 

 

Trust and confidence is built on good relationships, trustworthiness, and high ethics.

The way you deal with your people, and the relationships you build will lay the foundation for the strength of your message. The stronger your onnline relationships, the stronger others will gain trust and confidence is in your capabilities.Once you have their trust and confidence, you may now proceed to communicate the goals and objectives you are to undertake.
Keep in mind that if you do what you always did, you'll get what you always got!

 

Communication is a very important key to good leadership. Without this you can not be a good leader. The knowledge and technical expertise you have must be clearly imparted to other people.

Also, you cannot be a good leader unless you have good judgment. You must be able to assess situations, weigh the pros and cons of any decision, and actively seek out a solution. It is this judgment that others will see through your online communications. Therefore, good decision-making about what to post online is vital to your digital success.

So, do you have the drive and the desire to be a social media leader? Do you have the desire to influence others in the social media arena?  Then start now. Write influential posts that add value. Take a stand on issues, even if your opinions don't initially garner favour. Many trends were begun by incremental steps.

We know that social media allows the power vested in others to affect society's social consciousness. Witness the toppled regimes in the Middle East or the recent Occupy Wall street demonstrations.

Be a social media leader with a defined sense of commentary on the collective imagination.