By : Latisha Carr
BE A LEADER ,
Not Just A Follower :
Leadership in the Age of Social Media
By : Latisha Carr
In a time where the amount of Twitter and Instagram followers you have seems to deem your status in the world , I often find myself thinking of something my childhood best friend ’ s Dad would tell us all the time as kids . “ Be a leader , not a follower .” There could be a huge impact on our culture and generation if more people recognized the importance of being a leader and behaving as such . Although leadership is a multifaceted concept , taking a look at what leadership looks like for millennials is imperative to our forward progress as a culture and generation .
A leader is defined a few ways by Merriam-Webster Dictionary . Two of those definitions are : “ Someone or something that leads others : such as , someone who guides other people ” and “ a powerful person who controls or influences what other people do ; a person who leads a group , organization , country , etc .” Social media has given every person with a Twitter or Instagram handle the ability to lead , even if it is unintentional leadership . We quickly hit the “ Follow ” button for celebrities , people we know , and people we want to know . We usually do not stop to think about what “ following ” someone actually means . When we follow people on social media or when people follow us , it opens up a space for influence and guidance over our own lives or the lives of those who follow us . Having a large social media following is an opportunity to influence and lead people , which comes with responsibility . Utilizing social media as a realm for leadership gives you the platform to impact hundreds , thousands , or millions of people on a daily basis . In today ’ s culture , a simple post can be seen across the world . If you want to be a leader in your community or environment , and not just a follower , take the simple steps to be intentional about how you are leading and guiding those who follow you . Show integrity and be authentic . Perfection is not a requirement , but authenticity and integrity can create positive influence on those that follow .
On any social media outlet , you occupy , be aware of the impact you have on all who “ follow ” you . First , be authentic in who you are . Post things that represent you and what you want the world to be . Remember that what you post could impact others . Choose to be a positive light to those that follow you . Use your social media presence to encourage , inspire , and move people forward from your unique perspective . We all have the ability to not just “ follow ” on social media , but to lead in a powerful way .