The ability to connect with so many, so quickly, is both the challenge and the opportunity for those hoping to lead in the virtual space. I saw a remarkable show last night on happiness. The conclusion spoke directly to the underlying importance for leaders to find a way to connect online that works for them, that works for their constituents, that helps them be authentic servants of those they hope to lead.

Life is a journey through time and happiness is what happens when we make that journey together.

“Together” looks different in the virtual space, but has no less importance, possibly more.

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A post from Chris Brogan brought up an interesting point about social media:

“We’re building a cluster of solo players out there on the field when what is necessary is a team methodology with all kinds of touchpoints, system connectors, and deeper communications/strategy channels… many hands in the social media huddle, is the better way to play.”

I couldn’t agree more and would like to suggest this springs from the misguided focus on the tools vs the challenge those tools might address. I heard an interesting presentation while visiting San Francisco a few weeks back by form Justin Dumont of 5Star Development Inc. He shared research he has done on companies integrating social media tools into their organizational learning and knowledge transfer. His conclusion was that if you can focus on the business challenge and find the technology that addresses that challenge, the rate of adoption will be much greater that if you try to retrofit. This makes sense doesn’t it? If you think about the sports analogy Chris made, all these teams have a challenge, beat the other team, that pulls them together. If we can create that same energy in our organizations, we are more likely to see the power of “many hands” approach Chris alludes to. Now, take the next logical step to the implications this has for leaders when using social media tools. If a leader can be clear about the “win”, then the “many hands” of the organization can work together to create a systems approach. The power of virtual system can be channeled and it’s full potential brought to bare. Clarity around the challenge comes first, then find and use the tools that will help people meet that challenge.

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This Friday, November 27, 2009 is the National Day of Listening. It seems ironic that we need to assign a “National Day” when there is so much out there to hear. It points out a useful distinction between “hearing” something and “listening”. Hearing is the passive approach. Listening the active. Think of our expressions: “I heard in passing….” or “Listen! Did you hear that?” Listening is a mindful act. When we really listen we choose to pay attention on purpose, rising above distractions. This enables us to hear the things that touch our hearts and minds. It takes believing that listening attentively can have rich rewards.  It takes discipline to make space for that which we believe is worth listening to, and it takes practice. So maybe a National Day of Listening is a good thing. It offers us the opportunity to practice the listening that brings meaning to our lives. It also gives us the chance to create for others more that is worth listening too. Are you up for it?

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Glancing through the UTNE Reader at the library today I read through their feature story, “50 Visionaries Who Are Changing the World”. The nominees were chosen because of “the unwaivering, inexhaustible sense of purpose they bring to their work”. Quietly, steadily, these people are having a profound impact on our world. Some of the nominees drive their results by taking advantage of technologies and the digital realm. For example, Lance Ledbetter is the founder of Dust-to-Digital, a label dedicated to “producing high-quality, cultural artifacts, which combine rare, essential recordings with historic images and detailed texts describing the artists and their works”. As a result of his ongoing efforts, so many have had opportunity to experience these works and be impacted by them. But it’s not the use of technology so much but the notion of “steadiness of purpose” that is so relevant to the topic of leading in the virtual environment. Effective leadership in any domain relies on our convictions and “…it is the strongest among us who can stay true to a vision.” These profiles are compelling and well worth the read.

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I have a yoga practice and have recently begun to explore the Anusara approach. I am learning many new things that bridge my time on the mat and my time exploring leadership. I’ll be sharing these from time to time, particularly as they relate to leading in the virtual environment. One thing I’ve noticed with Anusara is acknowledgment and respect for one’s teachers. As I understand it at this point, their  approach to the role of teacher is based on the assumption that  we will always be learning as we participate in the dance of life, that teachers will come from many places, and that it is our responsibility and our gift to be able to acknowledge those who teach us and pass on the learning. Entertaining this concept has helped me acknowledge with gratitude the many teachers I have in my life, from all corners of my life: yoga, work, friends and all generations of family.

As I think about  leading effectively in the virtual environment, I see a clear similarity. The teachers in the virtual scenario become the people you connect with through virtual channels: blogs, social networks, podcasts. As you endeavor to lead, what can you learn from  them as they respond to your message? Can you begin to think of those you are trying to reach not as being those you need to “convince”, but as the ones who will teach you about how your message is received and how your vision could become reality?

Taking stock of your current teachers, is an interesting exercise and a great first step. From there, it is a logical next step to think of all the potential teachers out there. All those within your broad virtual reach you have the opportunity to learn from about your vision for the future, if you can accept with honor the merged role of leader and eternal student.

Namaste.

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I caught a segment on NPR’s Weekend Saturday by Andy Carvin “Welcome to the Twitterverse”. It featured Daniel Schorr, who as always added interesting perspective. Here’s one thing that got me thinking:

“We’re losing the difference between audience and conversation,” Schorr added. “It’s all becoming part of one vast thing. … You’re not really communicating one to one anymore … and the whole world is going to end up as an audience.”

So what’s the implication of that statement for those who are exploring their ability to lead in the virtual environment? It’s good news. Leaders want audience, right? Engaged, comitted audience. But wait, they also need conversation. Leadership at it’s heart is about relationship, and relationship is built one conversation at a time. So if twitter means the end of conversation, that’s very bad news isn’t it? Thoughts?

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