Our character says more about us than many other things when it comes to leadership and social media. Character takes time to build and it is one thing that you cannot buy. We either develop it or you don’t.

What we do when no one is watching says a lot about us? How we conduct ourselves in public say a lot about us. When it comes to social media, character counts. A leader sets an example for others to follow. What examples are we setting for our followers?

I love connecting with people on social media. But I love meeting them face to face more. I appreciate having an opportunity to take people for coffee and deepen our connection. When I meet someone face to face, I expect them to be just like they are on social media, or even better. It is a huge disappointment meeting someone and finding out that they are not who they portrayed themselves to be.

Whether we lead an organization, a big business or just a small business, we need to be genuine with those that follow us. Our followers could be employees, customers or people we have connected with online. People do look to others to set the right example for them to follow. Some even get to blaze trails where no one else has been yet.

So lets be ourselves, pimples and all. People will respect us as a leader if we will just be ourselves. Let’s not try to put on an image that is not us or try to fit into someone else’s shoes. Our gifts will make room for us in this social media world.

And by the way, remember to play nice with everyone. Remember “What comes around, goes around” and “What you sow, you will reap“. If someone is a jerk, it does not take long for the whole social media community to find out and broadcast it. Let’s take the High Road and reap the benefits for doing so. As leaders, when we see the opportunity to do things that involve the Low Road, let’s change our direction because we know that others are watching. Let’s lead our followers with integrity.

Character may be the only thing we have at the moment. I encourage you to lead well where you are at. You will see good results in the end.