LinkedIn tips for CEOs

I doubt I’ll ever be a chief executive - so I don’t actually know what kinds of things they have to deal with.

Which is precisely why I’d love to see more senior leaders publishing more genuine and transparent content on LinkedIn.

There are so many super interesting senior leaders out there producing such mundane and uninspiring content.

It’s all staff shoutouts and cheesy photos and ‘well done so-and-so’ comments.

Which is fine, but also a wasted opportunity for their personal brand, and to an extent the organisation’s brand, too.

Because a lot of potential employees and customers follow and watch these LinkedIn accounts.

So if I were a CEO…

• I’d give practical leadership advice and insights into running an entire organisation.

• I’d write about the intricacies of managing the people who manage the people who manage the people.

• I’d talk about how big decisions get made, and how hard it can be to have the final say on something crucial.

• I’d give insight into the range of tasks I actually filled my days with, demystifying the role.

• I’d write about strategy, generally and specifically, and about focus and direction.

• I’d speak of the hours involved, the myriad pressures, the strains on family, and how I dealt with them.

Above all, I’d attempt to make the role of senior leader seem more human.

Because for most employees, especially in large organisations, they don’t have a clue what their senior leaders do all day.

Is it back-to-back meetings? Strategy sessions? Long lunches? Or just plenty of reading or admin?

Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s more interesting than speaking at staff days or planting trees - which is what their LinkedIn content tends to reflect.

Senior leaders have amazing networks and, as such, incredible opportunities to influence audiences by promoting their organisation and their work.

It’s seems a real shame to see that wasted.

Got any questions or comments? Email me at seamus@seamus.nz