Navigating Social Media: Insights from an Educator
Before we begin…
This is where I will post leadership content once a week starting this Thursday June 20th. It all began with the idea of writing a book about social media—-at the time it seemed absurd.
Last month I wasn’t a social media user. I didn’t have Facebook or Instagram. I’m an educator and teach virtually, so I’m pretty proficient with technology but that’s as far as I go. I guess I’ve often been discouraged of interacting more in social media. The things I’ve heard—- the negative side—the dark side—- have stopped me in the past. But I want to share powerful leadership content. I want to be part of a learning community and help foster empathy among other leadership skills. Ironically, the answer to my dilemma was— to build a website —to build my own author website.
The biggest challenge was my mentality. With my unenthusiastic view of social media, I figured I wouldn’t get very far. So I went on a pursuit to challenge my skepticism –- to learn–maybe even refute my social media mindset. Soon, I found myself inundated with information and captivated by incredible stories. I admit—- I was surprised to learn more than I expected— good and bad.
Today I’m prepared to join the millions who navigate social media and its complexities. I created this website and with your support, I will begin to share meaningful leadership concepts, and answer your leadership related questions.
I know—”there is plenty of leadership content out there, leadership skills have been around forever, and the market is saturated...” True.
But interestingly, the difference now is the intersection between leadership and social media. Today it’s about being able to answer the questions:
How do I manage digital challenges and opportunities?
How do I leverage social media?
How do I minimize risks while being an effective digital leader?
I ended up writing the book: Navigating Social Media: A Guide to Leading with Purpose. With insights, strategies, and real life leadership examples organized and easily accessible to inspire responsible digital leadership. It begins with an overview of the digital landscape and explores the evolution of social media and online behavior. It’s written from a holistic approach that blends insights from psychology, communication, and human behavior.
In essence, it’s a guide to help you navigate the difficulties of social media, whether you are in a leadership position or not. The book concludes with a brief prediction of what the future of social media is likely to be, and how it may be shaped by several key trends and developments.
It’s my hope, the book empowers you to use social media as a tool for meaningful connection, inspiration, and positive influence and that this website contributes to growth, knowledge and wisdom.
——Dr. Aguilar
