Do You Want to be a Great Online Community Leader? If so, read this.
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Leading an online community group whether on Facebook, Reddit, Discord, (or whatever the platform it may be) the skills needed to do so successfully may differ from those of a traditional in-person leadership or manager role. Although leaders both in-person and online are ultimately looking to serve an overall purpose of developing and sustaining a well-functioning community, the day-to-day job may look a bit different. The following is a list of the top 9 attributes, skills, and talents needed to be a great community leader/manager.
1. Be welcoming
Take the time to welcome new members to your group! A great way to do this is by having a welcome based post at least one a week — introducing new members by name and potentially asking them to share more about themselves. Having a warm and inviting presence is the starting point to any great community.
2. Lead by example
“Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others, it is the only means.”
- Albert Einstein
Leading by example is key. Take the time to engage within your community, follow and implement your own community rules, and treat others the way you wish to be treated.
3. Be authentic
Be yourself and only yourself. Don’t build a facade in your group. Be open and real with your community members — it will go a long way to developing lasting relationships.
4. Be empathetic
The best leaders are the ones that take on the feelings of their group and community members. Being empathetic is often not a learned trait, but something that comes naturally. Take the time to evaluate your thoughts and take on the feelings of your community. Be there for them and put them first.
5. Listen well
To understand the needs of your community, you must listen to your community. Be engaged and involved in conversations within your group and be open to listening to their needs, feedback, and critisism.
6. Let your creativity shine
Whether this is in your posts, photos, videos, or graphics — don’t be afraid to have fun and be creative!
7. Communicate clearly
The quote below says it all:
“Developing excellent communication skills is absolutely essential to effective leadership. The leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. If a leader can’t get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, then having a message doesn’t even matter.”
— Gilbert Amelio
President and CEO of National Semiconductor Corp
Quote found on executivespeak.com
8. Think strategically
Plan. Plan. Plan.
Take the time to set up SMART goals for your group. Doing so will allow you stay on track with the group’s overall purpose and meet your objectives. Also, take into consideration drafting a content calendar to make your life easier.
About the author: Endless Harris is a Master’s student at the University of Florida studying Mass Communications and Social Media. She is also the creator of Soleil and Clay which is a clay earrings and accessories line. You can find her the most active on Instagram and being the admin of her Facebook Group, “The Positive Dressing Room: A Mid-Size Fashion Community,” geared towards being a fashion inspiration community for mid-size (10–16 U.S.) women.
