Embodying leadership
How we show up online is part of how we lead
How we show up online is part of how we lead. (mightyforces.co)
Hello, and happy new year!
I wonder how you’d describe your mission or purpose as a leader. What is the difference you seek to make, the impact you seek to have in the world? Take a minute; maybe even jot it down.
[This is me waiting patiently while you jot. No rush — I’ll play Wordle til you’re ready.]
All set? Great. Now, consider: In your pursuit of your mission, or purpose, what if the people within your sphere of influence included not only those with whom you personally interact, but also, people all over the world?
Or even people across town, whom you might never otherwise encounter?
In other words, what if your leadership could transcend the boundaries of your existing relationships?
Thanks to your trusty pal, the internet, it can.
This year, I double dog dare you to shift your mindset around showing up online. Fundamentally, it’s not about being a “digital native” or “tech savvy” or aspiring to millions of likes. It’s about growing your presence as a leader, in service of the “why” that guides you.
On the topic of showing up online in purposeful ways, if you missed it at the end of the year, I encourage you to check out my post about Substack’s “Nazi problem” and the ethics of where we choose to publish online (I will be leaving Substack as soon as I settle on a new platform and move over all of my content). I was bowled over when, earlier this week, activist and media force of nature Pat Mitchell referenced this article of mine in her newsletter; Pat is one of my role models, and when your role model quotes you, it’s a pretty phenomenal feeling. I want to pass along Pat’s call to action, which I wholeheartedly support:
In the New Year, I’m encouraging all of us to be more thoughtful and proactive in all our media choices…We have a voice in media matters. Let’s use it.
In the spirit of making positive media choices, do yourself a favor and sign up for Pat’s newsletter. That this world-changing human whose schedule is packed with activism and advocacy (not to mention board meetings and conference talks and, and, and) takes the time to create such a steady stream of timely, in-depth coverage and analysis, is a gift to us all.
To bring today’s post full circle: Pat’s newsletter is also a perfect example of how we as women can embody our leadership through our online presence.
See you online. And if you’re looking for help figuring out what to post about, follow Mighty Forces on LinkedIn for weekly writing prompts.
You are a mighty force -
Amanda
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