“My old boss bought a fancy coffee machine so he wouldn’t have to go into the break room.” That story stuck with me—not because of caffeine, but because of how small decisions can echo through workplace culture. His team didn’t see convenience. They saw avoidance.
It’s a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about what you say or do—it’s about what people feel from your presence, especially in today’s hybrid, digital-first workplace.
This is where executive coaching must evolve. It’s no longer only about refining decision-making or increasing executive presence in the boardroom. It’s about helping leaders show up with authenticity and influence—online and offline, formally and informally.
Some forward-looking CEOs are already embracing this mindset. They understand that in the modern workplace, influence, not authority, is the real leadership currency.
From “Wandering Around” to “Scrolling Around”
Back in the 1980s, the best-selling book In Search of Excellence coined the term “management by wandering around.” It encouraged leaders to connect with teams in informal, unscheduled ways. Today, where office drop-ins have given way to Slack threads and LinkedIn comments, effective leadership has new terrain.
I often say that today’s equivalent is “leadership by scrolling around.” And I mean that literally. A CEO who celebrates an employee’s work anniversary on LinkedIn, reacts with a thumbs-up in Slack, or reposts a team member’s project launch creates real moments of connection.
Steve Taylor, CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, exemplifies this. He opens the LinkedIn app during downtime and makes a point to celebrate his team’s wins. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” Steve told me. “It doesn’t have to be perfect—sometimes there’s a typo—but they know it’s really me.”
That authenticity has become part of his leadership brand.
Coaching Leaders to Find, and Use, Their Voice
As host of the Chief Influencer podcast, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing leaders across sectors. From Members of Congress and Ambassadors, to corporate and nonprofit executives, I’ve heard a consistent theme: the most influential leaders today aren’t afraid to bring their whole selves to the table.
When the current President & CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Tim Coetzee was appointed, he introduced himself in a virtual town hall not with his resume, but with his story. He shared personal reflections, his connection to the cause, why the work mattered to him, and even a family photo. That moment of vulnerability shaped how his team perceived him—not just as a boss, but as someone they could trust.
Executive coaching can be a catalyst for this kind of leadership. Coaches help executives unearth their personal narratives, clarify their values, and communicate with conviction. They also provide the psychological safety leaders need to take that first brave step into being seen as a human being, not just a title.
Digital Fluency Is a Leadership Skill
Just as executives master industry jargon, they now must learn the language of digital platforms. Many of the leaders I work with or interview feel unsure about hashtags, tagging, or tone—but once they get the hang of it, they start to see these tools for what they are: modern-day watercoolers.
Coaching can demystify this. On LinkedIn, for example, Careerstone Group President Mary Abbajay is intentional about which hashtags she uses—such as #culture, which has over 4 million followers. Those small choices help her expand her impact beyond her immediate network to those who pay attention to this topic.
Share the Stage
Influence is not a solo sport. Leaders who excel at it lift others up. They mention colleagues in posts, celebrate team wins, and show gratitude publicly.
One of the best at this is Washington Business Journal Publisher Alex Orfinger. If you follow him online, you’ll see post after post highlighting award-winners, rising leaders, and community events. He’s not making the story about himself—he’s modeling what it looks like to share power, and extend influence.
Executive coaching can support leaders in making this a habit—not as a branding tactic, but as a leadership ethic.
Start Where You Are
It’s easy to compare yourself to other leaders who have book deals, viral posts, or massive followings. But as Bruce Mehlman, CEO of Mehlman Consulting, shared with me, consistent effort builds trust. His quarterly trend memos, once emailed to clients, now reach tens of thousands and are hosted on Substack.
That didn’t happen overnight. It started with one email. One idea. One voice.
Final Thought
Influence used to be seen as a “soft skill.” But in the age of hybrid work, remote teams, and digital engagement, it’s becoming one of the most important leadership competencies.
Executive coaching that centers influence—real, relational, responsible influence—can help today’s leaders become more than effective. It can help them become unforgettable.
Now that’s something to like.
Anthony Shop is the Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a leading marketing and communications firm. He also hosts the Chief Influencer podcast in partnership with The George Washington University and chairs the National Digital Roundtable.
