Al Kags

I woke up this morning and was spooked to find two messages from two leaders – one, a leader in the public sector and the other a popular business leader – saying that in 2010 they want to blog more and that they shall look to me for help.

I am a blogging advocate. I advocate for leaders particularly to blog and get into a culture of communication as regularly as possible. In 2009, I advocated for several people to begin to blog. These included the aforementioned two and a young lady who works in my office as an intern who wants to grow into a communications person. Others included a Programme Officer in a large non-profit, who clearly has a passion for what she does and a young man in communications.

I introduced them to blogs, gave them material to read about blogging in particular a popular article on Harvard Business Review – “If you want to Lead, Blog” by my favorite CEO blogger, Jonathan Schwartz, the leader of the Sun Microsystems powerhouse. I also showed them blogs by other leaders including Rob Macaire, the UK High Commissioner to Kenya and his Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, both of whom are regular bloggers. And many others.

What I find interesting, is the response by all these highly intelligent, high potential people. First, they all wondered about the increased workload, “oh, now I have to write an article” (thinking about media articles).

Then, they wondered about being that open to feedback and scrutiny – “the whole world will see what I write? And what if I find those jokers who will just write terrible things about me on my blog”

I was able to respond to all these questions and many other concerns – as a blogger of more than 5 years and to show them my own experience on this and previous blogs associated with me. And they all over time expressed an interest.

Then, I saw the final reaction that I find most interesting – 7 out of 10 of these diverse group of smart, high potential leaders who now and in future hold positions of responsibility for many other people, paid lip service to wanting to blog and only did so when closely encouraged by me. Some of them would tell people with some pride that they are now bloggers – even though they had not looked at their blogs for months.

This for me, is interesting because it is an indicator of leadership culture. I am led to recognise that even as I was growing up, people in positions of responsibility find ability to conserve their power, by hoarding information and taking care not to open themselves up to personal scrutiny. I recognise also, that the audience generally often misuse the openness of many bloggers and bloggers – especially those in leadership positions are not equipped to deal with the irresponsible people.

I am inspired to say this specifically.

1. For leaders, blogging is no a luxury but part of leadership. Communication is crucial and feedback is a crucial component of communications. It not only helps leaders to be accountable and transparent, but it also enables them to increase their credibility.

2. For leaders, blogging is a way to advocate their positions and sell what they are driving at as well as increase support. The world has moved from where leader made speeches and press statements and these were left alone. Now, people will interact with a leader and her policies whether or not the leader communicates regularly.

3. Blogging is not extra work. It is part of the job.

4. If you want to lead, you must blog honestly and regularly, without fear. In this way, you will achieve great benefits. Ask me, I know.