Pitfalls and Etiquette of Social Media: Part One: Social Media Issues in Today’s Work Environment

Social media is the best way to get your message to the most people the fastest. Unfortunately you have no ability to individualize the context or content of your posting to different generations. While getting your message, story, tweet, etc. across to EVERYONE quickly is a perk of using social media it is impossible to make the information relevant and more importantly, clear, to everyone who may potentially see the post.
The use of social media is thus a blessing and a curse to anyone who may be connected to multiple generations on one platform. Thus using social media to support your personal and professional brand without opposing your company brand is becoming more difficult. With up to 5 generations in the workplace and 6 or more existing in the realm of social media you must be cognizant of potential readers when you consider a post. Each generation has different expectations for communication, the level of personal information shared, how information is shared and how they interpret what they read.
You must be careful to not abandon commonsense just because you are communicating through social media. Also, recognize how you are communicating (the words, structure, etc. you are using), as well as what you are communicating (feelings, events) translates beyond your generation. Assume anything that you post, forward, or share will be seen or passed along to those who you did not intend to see it (ie. Your mom, boss, client or priest). And be aware that everything that you post has the potential to be viewed by a colleague, client, or competitor.

Tips to avoid trouble spots of social media:
• Never post anything religious, political, sexual, or embarrassing to yourself or someone else.
• Think before you post, tweet, like or share anything through social media. Everything electronic is permanent and may affect your reputation now or later.
• Do not friend anyone that may make you look bad or may be in opposition of your career or company. If you have already friended them REMOVE them.
• Only post positive messages and do not complain or be offensive. If you have an issue with someone in your life take it off social media- relationships and careers are damaged quickly through electronic and social media communications. A rough day on your part can come across as a lack of gratitude, or as a whining, childish rant.
• Never post anything against corporate policy, illegal, or that you do not want to be associated with. This includes anything that you may find embarrassing in 10 years.
• Always be polite. Social media still means to be social, if you are well-mannered in public be so in your use of social media as well.
• Be authentic and personable. Post important topics and information but only share the positive, polished attributes of your personality.
• Add value not just chatter. Do not over-post or seek validation in your posts. Even your closest friends only have so much free time so make reading your posts worthwhile to them (they really don’t care what you ate for lunch).
• Do not vent through social media. If you need to vent or discuss an issue go “old school” and pick up the phone to call your most trusted confidant.
• Have a simple and professional sign-in name such as: [email protected]