Erik Qualman, bestselling author of Socialnomics (affiliate link), has just released a new book called Digital Leader: 5 Simple Keys to Success and Influence (ditto).
In Digital Leader, Qualman has assembled a first-rate manual for leadership in the digital age, worthy of a place on your bookshelf right alongside Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Covey’s 7 Habits. He sets forth five principles, forming the acronym STAMP: Simple, True, Act, Map, and People. Qualman expands on these principles using lessons that are drawn predominantly from real-life experiences, and emphasizes the crucial role that digital tools play in the process of becoming a great leader.
Digital Leader by Erik Qualman is an inspiring book that's perfect for people looking for inspirational thought-leadership.
Without a doubt, the many well-chosen stories in Digital Leader are one of its biggest strengths, making for an enjoyable read to which anyone can relate. One of my favorites comes from a section stressing the perils and permanency of griping online, and tells of a VP at a prominent PR firm who, upon flying into in a major client’s hometown, proceeded to bash the city on Twitter. Of course, the client saw the tweet, backlash ensued, and a teachable moment was born.
While Qualman may have used this story to show that mistakes will be made and must be dealt with appropriately, the majority of anecdotes are aimed at uplifting and inspiring. Take the story of Ray Kroc who, after working a number of jobs with moderate success, found his calling as a restaurateur and started McDonald’s at the age of 52.
As the name implies, this is a leadership book for the 21st century, although the essential principles are timeless. In connecting his lessons to the digital world, there are a few occasions where the effort by Qualman feels a bit forced, as if the wisdom is good enough to stand on its own or the connection could’ve been made more clearly. However, by and large Digital Leader represents a successful marriage of enduring truths and a timely perspective.
It’s hard to imagine that one could come away from reading this book without a sense of empowerment. “Fail forward, fail fast, fail better” is the refrain, and just when your inner skeptic tries to get the better of you, Qualman anticipates it and counters with some more ammo to keep you focused and optimistic throughout. No matter your position on the career ladder or technological prowess, Digital Leader is a powerful guide with much to offer.
Cory Gaddis is a guest contributor to the 60 Second Marketer and an account manager at Mobilize Worldwide.
