Why Being a Digital Leader Should Be the Future of Your Leadership Focus

As an executive in today’s media landscape, you can’t afford to be invisible online.

Being a traditional leader can only take you so far.

Today, 4 out of 5 of your team members want to see you actively communicate on social media — and here’s what you get out of it:

1. Your Message Will Expand Beyond Your C-Suite Executives

Your influence can go beyond the boardroom.

Traditional leaders are typically unapproachable — but digital leaders are always connected and ready to engage.

They interact with people by sharing their experiences, thoughts, and perspectives in real time. Think of the talent you want to hire. Whether millennials or Gen Z, they’re all scrolling on social media.

For example, no matter what you think of Elon Musk, he engages with millions every day, and he’s able to:

• Start and shape conversations.
• Influence public opinion.
• Always stay relevant.

This allowed him to shape Tesla’s brand and directly impact the stock market.

2. You’ll Increase Trust in YOU and in the Company You’re Leading

As a digital leader, you’re SHOWING innovative solutions, the future direction of your industry, and strategies to stay ahead.

This makes you a credible figure.

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has over 1.5 million followers on LinkedIn. He shares personal posts about his experiences and his unique perspectives on investment strategies and economic issues.

He’s not inaccessible.

He welcomes people into his leadership world.

And that makes people TRUST him.

If Jamie Dimon became the CEO of a new company, wouldn’t you naturally trust him to replicate his success in the new company? Wouldn’t you automatically think of buying that company’s stocks?

3. You’ll Boost Empathy and Connection with Everyone Around You

Remember when TikTok was facing a potential ban in the U.S.? Shou Zi Chew, the CEO of TikTok, shared multiple videos, giving candid updates.

In one of his videos, he — very transparently — shares insights about the multiple initiatives he’s taking to protect users and their data. The video received over 34 million views, 5.8 million likes, and 240,000 comments of encouragement. Why? It’s because people felt personally invested and connected.

By being transparent, showing commitment, and letting people in, he made them feel heard, supported, and valued — and that created a sense of community and loyalty.

When you’re active and engaged online, you show your leadership in a way that deeply resonates with people — and that’s key to being a leader people want to follow!

That’s why digital leadership will take your influence to places traditional leadership couldn’t.

P.S. Want to dive deeper into becoming a digital leader?

Over the past 10 years, I’ve helped executives build a digital presence that makes a real impact. Reach out for a free consultation session here and let’s help you strategize on how to lead in today’s world.