New Findings on Social Media Leadership – And The Survey Says…

Earlier this week, the authors of HUMANIZE, Maddie Grant and Jamie Notter, took the stage here at Beekeeper Group to share highlights from their book, plus some new survey research they gathered to go along with it.   In the book, Maddie and Jamie take the principles underlying social media’s rapid growth and success, and apply those to the way we lead and manage organizations.   Telling a room full of people that the old “command and control” methods we’ve used in the workplace for the last century won’t work anymore isn’t easy, but it’s definitely necessary.

Here’s why!  The research overwhelmingly shows that embracing the principles of social media, while requiring a significant culture shift, is something people are increasingly expecting.   According to the 2012 Social Leadership Survey:

•    84% agree that leadership involvement in social media gives their company a competitive edge.
•    84% agree that communicating core values in social media is integral to leadership
•    45% were concerned about their leadership’s lack of involvement in social media.
•    Even in companies where the leadership was involved in social media,  29% were concerned it wasn’t enough.

Of course, we had to have some experts weigh in on their findings.   Leaders from TD Bank, American Immigration Lawyer Association, American Chemical Society, and American Society for Association Executives all shared their expertise at driving social within their respective organizations.  And here are just a few my favorite insights from them: