Gartner have published their research on "CEOs' top ten strategic business priorities for 2022 and 2023" and growth is still at the top.
Learn more: https://gtnr.it/39WDk1u- But how are we going to get that growth?

In addition, CEOs are also impacted by workforce issues, sustainability and how is the business going to face those challenges?

Let's not forget, that a business has "two sides", what happens internally and what happens externally.

If we want our talent to stay, then we need to make sure employees understand our strategy and where we stand on issues today.  That said, we also need to make sure that we share our culture externally.

If we look at retainment and recruitment, our employees want to know that the company is sustainable and know we stand for a sustainable future for our children and our children's children.  

The same is for our our future talent, they want to know externally how the business stands on sustainability.  They will be attracted to the company, not by corporate brochures and brochureware which we all ignore.  They will be attracted to the company because they are seeing empowered employees sharing how they love the companies stand on sustainability.  The same for attracting investors, our clients tell us they are going to IPO faster and at a high value by being social.

Let's look at this report by Brunswick Group.

"Our latest research shows that stakeholders expect executives to use social media to lead. But it has never been more important to get it right. Leaders who understand the importance of communicating online build authentic, trusted platforms that advance business objectives and lead to tangible, real-world outcomes."

Here is the summary to the report ...

1. Stakeholders expect Connected Leadership

"Digital and social media are no longer simply aspects of an organization’s communications and marketing functions — nor are they optional; they are important tools for companies and their leaders to engage with a suite of stakeholders. Employees and financial readers expect corporate leaders to use these platforms for a range of issues — from the company’s mission, vision, and values to crises.

This isn’t surprising given the degree to which they rely on social media to stay informed. 88% of employees and financial readers use social media each month, compared to 70% who use traditional media sources."

2. Connected Leadership is key to employee engagement

"Potential employees (new recruits) use a range of digital and social media channels to research the leaders of future employers. Connected Leaders are viewed as more accessible and transparent, both of which are key reasons employees join and stay with an employer. 9 out of 10 employees cite having a leader who communicates directly and transparently as a factor for staying with an employer, closely following benefits and compensation."

"All else being equal, I would prefer to work for a CEO who uses digital and social media as part of their work more than a CEO who does not."

Connected Leadership is a recruitment advantage

Potential employees draw their first impressions online

"Hybrid work makes Connected Leadership essential"

3. Connected Leadership is a competitive advantage – online and offline

"A CEO’s social media activity should not exist in a vacuum. As an integrated part of an executive’s leadership platform, social media can complement and reinforce traditional offline activities. In turn, this can lead to tangible, real-world outcomes of its own. Social media can be a force multiplier for executive platforms. Stakeholders’ ubiquitous use of digital platforms means that leaders can influence conversations, reach new audiences, and shape reputation across a range of objectives."

4. Authentic Connected Leadership builds trust

"Authentic leadership is key to fostering relationships online. Audiences won’t follow someone they don’t trust. And they can’t trust someone they don’t know. While financial readers and employees alike trust leaders who use social media more than those who do not, the importance of genuine and authentic content was reinforced throughout our conversations with top Connected Leaders. Authenticity will differ for each executive. It can mean discussing hobbies and non-business interests, or showing engagement with employees, or even simply using colloquialisms that come naturally to the executive.

This style of Connected Leadership helps build a reservoir of trust before it’s needed. Leaders who have established trusted platforms online are better equipped to reassure stakeholders when it matters most. In a crisis, 78% of employees and 91% of financial readers expect a CEO to communicate on social media, where speed and control are essential."

5: Effective Connected Leadership requires strategy

"Connected Leadership touches all aspects of business. While anyone can become a Connected Leader, activating an individual or a team in a way that cuts through the noise and resonates with stakeholders requires a data-informed, strategic approach."

Conclusion

"Connected Leadership is not only expected — it is a business imperative. Connected Leaders are best positioned to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape, build resiliency, and accelerate their business objectives. Showing up is no longer sufficient. Effective strategies deployed across leadership teams and rooted in authenticity are necessary to realize the full potential of Connected Leadership."