The impact of Social media on executive reputation is vast. Social media can simultaneously boost an executive’s thought leadership and influence consumer behavior. But misuse of social media can also damage personal brand and company image.
It’s remarkable to observe how brand loyalty today is significantly influenced by the online reputation of its key executives. But it comes as no surprise. Social media has revolutionized how we communicate, share information, and perceive the world. Networks such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and, more recently, TikTok increasingly influence the shaping of public opinion. In effect, social networks have fundamentally altered the dynamics of personal branding.
Unlike previous years when leaders had fewer touchpoints, today’s executives are often the face of their organizations, representing their companies at industry events or in the media. For corporate executives like Thasunda Brown Duckett, President and CEO of TIAA, or Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart, reputation is paramount. As a result, the social media landscape has amplified the significance of a personal brand.
How Social Media Shapes Executive Reputation
In the Internet age, your executive reputation is more than your business acumen or leadership skills. It includes your digital persona, the values you express on social channels, and the consistency of your online and offline identities. A well-managed, authentic social media presence can enhance personal brand, build trust, and deepen stakeholder relationships.
Conversely, a misstep in the digital sphere can have dramatic, potentially catastrophic impacts on an executive’s image and, by extension, their company’s reputation. An executive’s behavior on social media is intrinsically linked to their professional reputation. Responsible use of social media can help improve trust, enhance credibility, and foster positive public perception. However, misuse of these platforms can quickly erode trust and damage your personal and corporate brand.
The Impact of Social Media on Business
The digital world, established with the personal computer, has increased our access to information and people. Following suit, social media changed how we engage with businesses. As a result, not only does your social media presence impact your personal brand, but consumers increasingly look at leadership values when comparing products and services within a market.
Social media paved the way for today’s consumers to be more informed of business practices, giving them more control over what they support. In a consumer-centric market, executive reputation and perceived company values greatly determine business success. More than ever, establishing and controlling your public brand across social media is integral to business needs.
Why Should Executives Be on Social Media?
With approximately 4.89 billion users worldwide as of 2023, the extensive reach of social media presents business leaders with a potentially vast audience, spanning diverse demographics and geographies, to promote their company and personal brand. When executives use these platforms wisely to share insights, engage with the public, and showcase their company’s achievements, they showcase their leadership and commitment to transparency. This helps to build their personal brand, promote their company, and cultivate a positive image. On the other hand, irresponsible use of social media can severely damage an executive’s reputation.
However, not every CEO is inclined or ready to engage on social media platforms. Some may even consider social media an arduous task requiring lots of prep and strategy. Like many, if you find yourself digitally unsavvy, the good news is that you don’t need a marketing degree to manage your social platform. Establishing a connection with consumers doesn’t require creating original content or investing extensive time into daily posts. What matters is the quality of your content and the steadfastness of your presence. An effective social media strategy for leaders involves sharing pre-existing content, including:
- Recent news articles
- Links to industry interviews
- Reposts from peers that align with your values
Sharing content significantly simplifies maintaining a consistent social media presence and amplifies your values and thought leadership online.
Examples of Social Media Branding
Let’s take a moment to consider the social media presence of Thasunda Brown Duckett, the former CEO of Chase and the current President and CEO of TIAA, as it offers valuable insights for aspiring executives. Thasunda Brown Duckett has demonstrated exceptional consistency in her LinkedIn presence. She accomplishes this by strategically curating a diverse range of content, effectively balancing her original posts with thoughtful commentary on articles she chooses to share and posts that she reshapes and engages with.
Whether her content is original or a repost, it consistently aligns with her personal values and those of her organization. Specifically, her LinkedIn feed serves as a platform for sharing information and offering commentary on crucial topics she cares about, such as:
- Retirement Equity
- Retirement planning
- Gender and racial wealth disparities
This approach showcases her commitment to her company’s mission and positions her as a thought leader in these vital areas. It is a powerful example for executives aiming to establish a meaningful and influential presence on professional platforms like LinkedIn.
On the other hand, the impact of social media on executive reputation for others was damaging to public image. For instance, former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick faced severe backlash on social media following a series of corporate scandals and his questionable behavior. Public outcry on social platforms shaped negative perceptions about Kalanick that reflected on Uber, leading to his eventual resignation.
These examples underscore the power of social media in shaping executive reputation. Used wisely, it offers opportunities for executives to build their brand, connect with stakeholders, and influence public perception. However, when misused or neglected, it can lead to reputational damage that is difficult to repair.
The Positive Impact of Social Media on Executive Reputation
Brand Building
Social media allows executives to actively participate in building their brand. Business leaders can shape their professional image and company brand through thoughtful content curation and engagement by sharing company achievements, values, and goals that foster a connection with their audience.
Thought Leadership
Executives can leverage social media to establish themselves as thought leaders in their respective fields. By sharing insights, industry trends, and innovative ideas, they can position themselves as authorities, earning respect and trust from peers and followers.
Increased Visibility
With billions of users worldwide, social media provides executives an enormous platform to increase their visibility. Regular interaction with followers and sharing relevant content boosts an executive’s visibility online, growing influence, strengthening professional networks, and improving the company’s reputation.
The Negative Impact of Social Media on Executive Reputation
Public Gaffes
Social media can exponentially amplify public gaffes – a blunder or mistake – causing potential harm to an executive’s reputation. An offhand comment or poorly chosen word can spread like wildfire, creating a backlash that can be difficult to manage. This significantly influences hiring prospects. Companies are increasingly scrutinizing potential leaders’ online presence, with missteps on social platforms often being viewed as red flags.
When organizations consider potential leaders, they don’t just assess their resumes; they also scrutinize their digital footprints. Social media gaffes, such as inappropriate comments, sharing controversial content, or even poorly timed posts, can be perceived as indicators of poor judgment, unprofessionalism, or even a misalignment with the company’s values. These considerations can significantly impact the hiring process, making the difference between securing a coveted role or being passed over. Such gaffes can indicate poor judgment or a lack of professionalism, potentially damaging the company’s image if the executive is hired. Thus, it’s crucial for executives to manage their social media profiles meticulously, ensuring they align with the professional image they want to project.
Privacy Concerns
Privacy concerns can also harm your personal brand. It’s common for executives to share personal details or opinions on social media, sometimes crossing boundaries between professional and personal lives. This can lead to unintended consequences, as followers may interpret this information in ways the executive did not intend. Breaches in privacy can also occur when sensitive company information is inadvertently shared, leading to legal issues and reputational damage.
Mismanagement of Crises
Social media can be a double-edged sword during crises. While a company’s social channels can provide a platform to address issues head-on and communicate with stakeholders directly, mismanagement can lead to negative consequences. Ill-judged comments or failure to respond promptly to a crisis can escalate the situation and damage the executive’s reputation. A case in point is former BP CEO Tony Hayward’s handling of the Gulf oil spill crisis, where his dismissive comments on Facebook caused widespread public outrage, leading to his resignation.
How to Manage Your Reputation on Social Media
Today’s business executives must manage a well-curated social media presence. Their online presence reflects on their company and is the public-facing portfolio demonstrating their leadership style, values, and commitment to their role and organization. Remember, a neatly articulated and curated social media profile can foster trust, inspire confidence, and build positive relationships with stakeholders such as employees, customers, investors, and the public. Below are five tips to help you effectively manage your online reputation and improve your online brand.
1. Engage Responsibly
Engage responsibly on social media by demonstrating professionalism, respect, and empathy. Respond to comments and messages promptly and thoughtfully. Acknowledge feedback and address any issues or concerns followers raise.
2. Be Authentic
Honesty and transparency are highly valued on social media. Executives should avoid over-polishing or misrepresenting their persona online. Instead, aim to present a genuine picture of your values, interests, and perspectives, which can foster a stronger connection with your audience.
3. Regularly Monitor Social Media Activity
Reputation management is a continuous process. Regularly monitor social channels for notifications, mentions, and relevant hashtags to stay informed about what is said about you and your company online.
4. Be Mindful of What You Share
Any content shared on social media should be carefully considered. Avoid sharing controversial or offensive material. Ensure the accuracy of information shared and respect copyright and privacy laws.
5. Contingency Planning
Prepare for potential crises by having a plan to manage adverse situations. This could involve creating a team to deal with such issues, drafting template responses, and identifying potential risks.
With the growing influence and pervasiveness of social media, it will become even more vital for executives to adopt a proactive approach toward reputation management, leveraging the power of social media while mitigating its potential pitfalls. The future of executive reputation management will increasingly depend on their ability to effectively navigate the digital landscape, fostering trust and credibility in an ever-evolving social media environment.
