Guys and gals of CXO land, I am writing to you as a collaborator. I want to say something upbeat about leading change in 2010. You know, get started on a good note. In a recent post, I jotted down a Don’t Do List for 2010 as a way to send 2009 on its way. 2009 was a record tough year for many. But, we already know that.
Now, think about the changes you need to lead in the year ahead. Assume for a moment (a brief moment that is) that what you saith, they shall do. You’re the CXO for goodness sake! Isn’t that worth something? Nope (sorry). Consider President Obama. He’s the most powerful man in the world and it still remains difficult for him to realize change. I’m sure you can relate.
On top of that, turns out that mismanaging change is the biggest reason CEOs get fired. Yikes! So, let’s start this year off with 10 ways you can use social media to get the ball rollin’ in 2010 and lead the change necessary for your organization. I promise you—your organization will respond.
- Get a blog. If your company is global (or is bigger than your immediate four walls), a blog is a great way to reach people. Sure, getting on a plane and meeting face-to-face is the best and it’s limiting. You only have so much time—you still need a life at home. Your organization will be better off if you lead a balanced life. Leverage the power of a blog to extend your influence.Once you get a blog…
- Be transparent. I get it—you can’t tell people everything. But you can be real. For once, stop being the CXO and be who you really are which is a lot more than your title.
- Tell stories . Nothing, really nothing, beats a good story.
- Engage and collaborate. Ask questions on your blog. Answer questions on your blog. Command and control style management is out. If you have any GenY employees, you don’t really have a choice. Don’t fake it; welcome input.
- Take polls on your blog. I’m not a big believer in questionnaires that yield little insight about what’s really going on, and, surveys do serve the purpose of getting a quick read so you know where to focus your time and energy.
- Don’t get spooked. Expect that some folks will respond negatively. It’s likely other people that support the change will respond on your behalf.
- Demonstrate it. I just received a FlipVideo. The device fits in your pocket, it’s simple to use, and it’s the least non invasive video camcorder I’ve ever used. People won’t are less likely to freak when you record. Nothing is more powerful than seeing it with your own eyes. Use it to capture the reasons why change is needed. Use it to capture what people think about the change (especially folks that are well connected and respected in your organization).
- Get help (you’ll need it). Work through the well connected. People in your organization talk to each other. They are influenced by each other. So every person that supports the change is progress. Ask these folks to be a guest blogger and ask them to write about the change. Grab your FlipVideo and ask these guys and gals to talk about the change from their perspective, their world view. There are plenty of people that cannot relate to you as the CXO. This is your opportunity to build connections with people that are well connected and respected and leverage their relatedness to reach people that will never listen to what you have to say.
- Recognize those who get it. Write about these folks on your blog. Trust me—a blog post that recognizes an employee will not only set an example for what you want to see—it will build loyalty.
- Go forth and be brazen CXOs. Lead change with values and purpose at the forefront. We need you, your organization needs you.
Use the connectedness inherent in social media to lead change in 2010!
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