It seems that every day there is some buzz on the internet about social media or someone saying something stupid on Twitter or Facebook. Along with all the protests, there are numerous messages of outrage. Some messages are followed with quick apologies. I wrote about using social networks in my e-book, Leadership for New Managers: Book Two. http://smashwords.com/b/300090. Here is what I wrote:
“b. Social Networks
Currently, people are more connected that ever. Social networking programs like Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In enable each person to connect electronically and to
communicate instantly with hundreds of like-minded individuals. The impact when social networks coordinated events like the Arab Spring was tremendous.
Leader/managers should get involved and master these programs. They can be great tools in a leader’s career. They can be useful for networking, hiring associates, and job
searches. One way to get organized is to use Linked In for professional contacts, professional groups, and associations. Use Facebook for family and friends. Use Twitter for socializing and general interest. Monitoring appropriate blogs can be informative and useful.
Social networks can also get leaders into trouble. Use common sense. Leader/managers should never send anything that they do not want their employer or associates to see.”
That last point is important. E-mails and Tweets are much different that snail mail – they can have a life of their own. They may live forever somewhere in that great black hole called the internet, and resurface years later. They could go viral. Some people have thousands of followers, and, with a couple of clicks, it is re-tweeted. Therefore, people should think twice or three times about what they
send out. Never send any message while angry or emotional. Sometimes, it is best to sleep on it. I believe that social networks need a 5-second delay, so you can change your mind and stop the message. It could be an option with a variable timer. I might need 10 minutes. I am a little slow to realize that I have said something stupid.
“b. Social Networks
Currently, people are more connected that ever. Social networking programs like Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In enable each person to connect electronically and to
communicate instantly with hundreds of like-minded individuals. The impact when social networks coordinated events like the Arab Spring was tremendous.
Leader/managers should get involved and master these programs. They can be great tools in a leader’s career. They can be useful for networking, hiring associates, and job
searches. One way to get organized is to use Linked In for professional contacts, professional groups, and associations. Use Facebook for family and friends. Use Twitter for socializing and general interest. Monitoring appropriate blogs can be informative and useful.
Social networks can also get leaders into trouble. Use common sense. Leader/managers should never send anything that they do not want their employer or associates to see.”
That last point is important. E-mails and Tweets are much different that snail mail – they can have a life of their own. They may live forever somewhere in that great black hole called the internet, and resurface years later. They could go viral. Some people have thousands of followers, and, with a couple of clicks, it is re-tweeted. Therefore, people should think twice or three times about what they
send out. Never send any message while angry or emotional. Sometimes, it is best to sleep on it. I believe that social networks need a 5-second delay, so you can change your mind and stop the message. It could be an option with a variable timer. I might need 10 minutes. I am a little slow to realize that I have said something stupid.
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