GenXmanager: Leadership for the Generation X Manager

Which personality type is the most avid user of social media? Well, according to a study in Computers in Human Behavior, extroverted neurotics open to new experiences are the most likely users. The study titled “Who interacts on the Web?: The intersection of users’ personality and social media use” examined users of social media and three dimensions of the Big-Five personality model.

The Big Five model includes:

1. openness to experience: appreciation for a variety of experiences
2. conscientiousness: careful and dependable as well as self-disciplined
3. extraversion: outgoing and sociable
4. agreeableness: courteous and caring
5. neuroticism: anxious and depressed and sometimes hostile

This study only looked at openness to experience, extraversion, and neuroticism.

The scientific survey was sent to 10,000 qualified U.S. adults with 1,482 validly completed surveys returned. Of these, 959 cases were examined. 67% of the respondents were female and 33% were male. Ages ranged from 18 – 84 with an average age of 46.

After the statistical analysis was complete the researchers found that the most avid users of social media were extroverts open to new experiences. They also found that people who are more emotionally stable will use social media less frequently. The researchers state that “anxious and worrisome individuals tend to use social media more frequently than those who are emotionally stable.”

So, it is good to know that most reading this blog are gregarious extroverts open to change and new experiences but are quite emotionally unstable. I’m just the messenger.

Read the study for yourself and make your own conclusions. Remember that all scientific research has its limitations.

Article Reference
Correa, T. , Willard Hinsley, A. and Gil de Zuniga, H. , 2009-08-05 “Who interacts on the Web?: The intersection of users’ personality and social media use” Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, Sheraton Boston, Boston, MA Online <APPLICATION/PDF>. 2010-01-15 from http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p374999_index.html

Example 2: Facebook status update made via Twitter

The first update is what my friends (or fans) expect. The second would likely solicit the following response, “Huh? What’s ‘RT’? What’s up with the pound sign?” In addition, on Facebook, the first update is more engaging and will stand out much better in a newsfeed than the second.

Different Purposes

Though both Facebook and Twitter engage friends, fans, and followers, they do so differently. Fans of the UB/Towson MBA page expect information about the program that is pertinent to both prospective and current students. It is entirely student focused. The MBA Twitter account is meant to engage the business community, entrepreneurs, the local and national media, and other MBA programs. We found that very few students are on Twitter (surprisingly few). Most are on Facebook.

Here’s an example of our Twitter page and our Facebook page. Notice the differences in content. The first is Twitter; the second Facebook.

Twitter Page

Facebook Page

I personally think it’s best to update each separately but you’ll need to decide for yourself considering the factors just discussed.

In all you do, be yourself. It’s your personal brand, no one else’s. Don’t throw up a façade. Don’t pretend to be someone else. Don’t try to fake it. When you try to act in ways that are not “you” everyone can tell. Trust me. I say this from personal experience. As Gary Vaynerchuk wrote in his book Crush It, you got to know your DNA. As Shakespeare said in Hamlet, “This above all: to thine own self be true.”

Know Yourself

Think back to the movie, the Matrix. When Neo visited the Oracle do you remember what was written on the plaque above her door? Take a look. ‘Temet Nosce’ means ‘know thyself’. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Know your true passion. Know what makes you happy. Know what motivates you. Know what values and beliefs drive your behavior.

 Act Yourself

As you become more self-aware you need to take a strong look at how you act. If you’re giving a presentation and humor is not natural to you, don’t try to be funny. Think of other strengths that you possess that can create a ‘sock-their-socks-off’ presentation. Acting yourself also means staying true to your values in all situations.

Here’s a test. Think about five personal interactions you’ve had recently. It could be with your boss, a client, your spouse, your son or daughter, or a random stranger. Were you authentic in what you said and the way you acted? You shouldn’t have multiple personalities that change depending on with whom you are speaking. Your core self should come through in all interactions.

Promote Yourself

Your brand is how you package yourself and present yourself to everyone. You should not have multiple brands. You might provide multiple services or products for different audiences but you are one brand. Promote yourself using social media, blogging about your expertise, presenting at conferences, doing a GREAT job at work, fulfilling your promises, guest writing for a newspaper or magazine, and booking yourself on a local or national television show.

Most importantly, promote yourself using media consistent with your brand, brand image, and your strengths. Not everyone looks or acts great on camera. If you are one of these people either get training on how to present on video or don’t do it. If you aren’t a great writer, learn to write better or hire someone to proof your work when blogging.

People don’t like fakers. To enhance your brand be authentic.