Social media created a new leadership model, or so it would seem It struck me the other day -- yes I am a little slow--and my excuse is--life has presented some distractions. The word influencer (not really a word) and influencers (also not a real word) wormed its way into the popular lexicon. That is the way of language--it changes.
Suffice to say influence is an active part of any leadership type we choose. The ability to influence followers into action, the influence of setting the example, using influence to gain the consensus and so on--'cause you are a leader and get it. Now, however, influencer appears to be a model, but is it?
Influencer definition is--one who exerts influence: a person who inspires or guides the action of others; often, specifically:a person who is able to generate interest in something (such as a consumer product) by posting about it on social media. www.meriam-webster.com
Notice this definition (and a number of others I reviewed) make no mention of responsibility or attributes we have discussed in leadership models. A failure of the Trump administration is attaching responsibility to the influence exerted. Social media influencers gain mainstream attention with out accepting responsibility for the consequences of their posts, comments, pictures or whatever instrument is used in creation of the mental detritus. The influence occurs at the macro level (followers) without understanding who or how it effects (follower) the micro level. For a leader to operate in that kind of vacuum sets up a disaster. Any scenario comes to the same conclusion; a leader understands how their behavior, words, actions, or social media posts has a direct effect on their success as a leader. Not understanding reduces leadership to influencership (I can create works also.)
So what is the responsibility of the follower and followership?
Next one fan's.
I'm back.
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