The CEO as Chief Engagement Officer

Today's chief executives know that they need to be in front of their customers when it comes to social media. Whether it's on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or Pinterest, they're determined to transform the way they engage with customers, according to a survey from IBM. CEOs are also recognizing the need to encourage greater collaboration on the inside-–among staff members and divisions-–to spark innovation and gain a competitive edge. In its "2012 Global CEO Study", IBM explores how CEOs feel about collaboration, social engagement, transparency and access--and what they need to succeed. "Outperforming organizations are embracing a new spirit of openness to forge closer connections with customers, partners and employees," says Saul Berman, strategy and transformation leader with IBM Global Business Services. "In fact, CEOs will be stepping into a new role as the chief engagement officer as they utilize new collaboration models to tap into the wisdom of the crowds." More than 1,700 global CEOs, general managers and senior public sector leaders took part in the research.