How should leaders behave on social media?

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We live in a world of immediate influence via social media platforms where the actions of leaders can spark life changing inspiration, or incite violent chaos. We only need to go as far back as the US Presidential elections in November 2020, where the losing candidate, Donald Trump, incited a violent riot on the nation’s sacred constitutional grounds. All through the use of social media. If leaders are able to access more of their supporters and influence them to act in a positive or negative way, then it begs the question, “how should leaders behave on social media?”

Before I share what I believe leaders can do to make a difference on social media, I want to share why this is so important. Also, as a disclaimer, the examples I share below are not used to direct blame, insinuate causation or defame. They are simply opinions available in the media.

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Let’s explore some recent examples of how a leaders actions can have, either a positive or negative outcome, starting with the positives:

  1. Greta Thunberg, a young person speaking out on climate issues, has used social media to spark a generation to care about the planet. The climate movement has caused many people to make more sustainable choices in their daily lives, and has had an influence on how the world’s leaders think about sustainability.
  2. Matt Damon, an actor, has leverage his fame to generate investment via social platforms (and other avenues) for a company which provides more accessible micro loans to underprivileged communities to help them create safe water and sanitation. According to the company’s website, 36 million people across 13 countries now have access to safe and clean water and sanitation.
  3. Following to horrific death of George Floyd in the US, many community leaders shared stories of the inequalities faced in modern society via social media. In the UK, this sparked positive discussions amongst groups of friends, colleagues and private organisations where action has been taken to create a positive change.

These are just some examples of how powerful social media can be in igniting positive collective change around the world. However, for all the good that’s possible, leaders can also create situations of pain and suffering. Here are some recent negative examples:

  1. Following the outbreak of the Covid 19 virus across the globe, Donald Trump the then President of the United States of America, took to twitter to label Covid 19 the “China virus”. This, as reported, directly led to an increase in Asian hate crimes resulting in life changing attacks on US citizens.
  2. Throughout the Brexit campaign, many political leaders shared misinformation via social media platforms which led to a rise in distrust, division and worry amongst the British public.
  3. Following the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests in the UK, social media group leaders spread hateful words which led to a rise in hate crimes. However, a positive from the spread of BLM information has given the victims more confidence to speak up and report crimes to the police.

Again, these are just a few examples, but what they show is that depending on how leaders speak, write and act on social media platforms can either facilitate understanding and cooperation, or hate and violence. This is why the behaviour of leaders on social media is so important.

So, how should leaders behave on social media?

In today’s world, social media is a vital tool for leaders to allow their voices to reach greater audience numbers. However, a lot of leaders, even those who are “social media influencers” or political leaders, say and do controversial things for likes and shares. But what they must understand is that what their actions have real world consequences. Just look at the Donald Trump example above. In February 2020, several Asian women were shot dead on the same day Trump continued to label Covid 19 as the “China Virus” on social media outlets. Simple words with huge consequences.

Leaders must also fully comprehend that when their influences grows they have a responsibility. A responsibility to make a positive difference in the world. With that, I’d like to share my definition of a leader:

“A leader is one who leverages their influence by using their experience to adapt and exhibit the right behaviours to influence any situation to create a positive outcome for all”

Jas Toor

I’d like to focus on the end of the above sentence. A leader’s ultimate responsibility is to create a positive outcome for all. Once a leader understands this, they should start to realise that they must think about their actions before they act. Go back to basics from what our mothers taught us – Think before you speak!

Now this is not to say that people should not share opinions. People should share opinions as this is essential in what makes us a functioning society. But, opinions should be shared with the intention of construction a positive outcome, not to spread hate or for personal gain.

What can you do?

Now you may be reading this and thinking, that’s a lot, but what should I do? Well, you’re in luck. Here are four steps to take to make a change and focus on creating positivity, not negativity:

  1. Fully comprehend that their actions have consequences, positives and negative.
  2. Focus constructive opinions based on facts, not click bait comments or misinformation which incite controversy and hate
  3. Understand that, as a leader, you have a responsibility to make a positive difference for the collective, not just for individual groups
  4. Hold other leaders to account if their actions are creating negative scenarios
  5. Protect yourself from negative social media accounts

Now the above may seem difficult, but as an influential leader, it is your responsibility. And remember, we’re always stronger together.

Thank you for reading, JT

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