I discovered LinkedIn in 2006 when I first repatriatedand was looking for a way to stay in touch with people I met abroad. At that time, LinkedIn was hardly known in Europe and if used than as a version of some kind of ‘smart contact book’. Fast forward to today, most of us created an avatar on LinkedIn. We literally live a double life.
Today, having a digital footprint is essential for leaders across industries.
In my work with leaders on building an online executive presence, I’ve observed a layer I call ‘Beyond the genuine Like’. As an executive, you carry authority that naturally extends to your audience, both within the organization and beyond. This influence is powerful, yet it comes with a significant responsibility.
Balancing a personal, authentic tone, with the leadership agenda and the company strategy while engaging your audience by constantly delivering ‘fresh takes’ is tough.
No wonder that the most common question I get is, “Is all this social media effort worth it?” Naturally, the conversation often circles around the impact and measurable outcomes, with number of 👍 being the obvious one. But as a “window-dressing” metric, Likes don’t always reflect authentic connection.
How do you distinguish between Likes meant to “polish the apple” and those that show true interest? (btw…it would be fascinating if LinkedIn could deepen insights into these statistics…)
In organizations, influence extends far beyond the visible markers of support, such as likes or public applause. A “genuine like” is not just about visible affirmation but represents the deeper, often unspoken, layers of alignment, respect, and commitment that people show when they feel connected to a leader’s message. In the power dynamics of organizations, the real measure of influence lies in these quiet endorsements, the unseen currents that drive authentic engagement, foster loyalty, and inspire action.
So, my answer would be: the more often you OPEN the door and let others see the world through your eyes, the more aligned your life will become with your digital avatar—creating the foundation for true, authentic followership online and offline.