Facebook and twitter can be huge time wasters and popularity contests so many leaders are outright banishing them from their lives and also the lives of their employees. There is some validity in this approach, but let’s tackle that on another post. I would challenge leaders, however, to not lump-in blogging with with these other social media tools/toys.
Here is a bit of why & how on blogging as leaders —
Benefits of Blogging:
- Increases communication between you and your follows — we never communicate as clearly or as often as we think we do with the people who are most dependent on our leadership.
- You will see all the normal benefits of better communication as you blogging are part of your communication strategy in your leadership.
- Keeps the vision white hot and out in front of people.
- Helps current activities stay fresh.
- Allows you become a ‘person’ from their vantage point, not just a machine or an unapproachable ‘rock star’.
Topics that are worthy:
- Vision & Direction
- ‘Why’ behind critical decisions
- Insights of the not-too-personal nature (Don’t write about your diet, you bathroom habits and your vacation.)
- Wins & Exciting opportunities that your team is encountering
- Introduction to new team members & also key players.
- Product or programming information from your vantage point (but leave the sales pitches to those departments).
Misc. / General thoughts
- Write with a personal tone and from an ‘insider’ perspective; use your real voice not just your excited one.
- Don’t get overwhelmed; just try to write 1x each week and don’t write more than 16 sentences.
- You don’t need to have ‘comments’ activated; especially if you are going to moderate and/or respond harshly.
- Do give personal touch points about yourself, your family and your activities… let us know you some and we will follow you more.