We have all heard stories about professionals posting something online that creates a trending backlash and leaves them worse for wear. A minor lapse in judgment could diminish one’s distinguished career. It is essential to be mindful and diligent in your efforts on social media, no matter if you are an up-and-coming professional or a polished veteran. We as humans have a type of kryptonite that can debilitate our innate sense of reserve: emotions. We all have a trigger that instantly brings us to a boil and unlocks fury the world has never known. The problem is that we never clearly think when we are emotionally charged. With social media often serving as the primary way we connect and communicate, we can’t expect to go on an off-colored rant and simply put the worms back into the can. Unfortunately, it isn’t that simple. Once we post something, it is out of our control. Deleting a post is a convenient feature; however, so are screenshots and sharing. Of course, we are free to say what we want, when we want. The first amendment, right? There is no debating that. However, we can argue that there are consequences to what you say and how it may be directed at others. Especially when it is out there for the entire world to view and scrutinize. So with that out of the way, we want to help save ourselves from unhinged moments of our own social media peril. Take a moment to pause and consider the consequences of what you are attempting to communicate. Avoiding these common pitfalls will set you on a course of holistic professionalism and the innate ability to maintain everlasting composure.
Don’t post on social media when emotions are high
This is undoubtedly the most dangerous action to quickly wreck your reputation. What you post online matters. But unfortunately, it is so common to see professionals of all types react irrationally to emotionally charged headlines, posts, and responses.
So how do we remain reserved when we come across content that has steam shooting from our ears? The savviest professionals lean on emotional intelligence in moments when our tilted brains start to go into overdrive. This is when we begin to lose all sense of rationale. So take a moment to compose yourself and ask three simple questions before you post or respond (credit to comedian Craig Ferguson):
Does it need to be said?
Does it need to be said by me?
Does it need to be said by me right now?
I have saved myself in countless scenarios on social media using this simple trick. In addition, through intentional repetition, it has become somewhat of a habit to not instantly react when emotionally charged content (which seems to be the driving purpose of social media these days) is presented. So give this method a try, and then pat yourself on the back for not getting into an endless all-caps battle with an egg online.
Even on personal accounts, consider your professional brand
Who do you represent? What do you represent to others?
I repeat: what you post online matters. What you repost, retweet, or like can create trends about who you are and what you truly represent. People form perceptions. Perceptions often time become a reality. So even if you have a disclaimer in your bio (e.g., a like does not equal endorsement or opinions expressed do not represent my employer), it will not rescue you after a wild Facebook frenzy. Perceptions may be formed by your manager, peers, direct reports, and clients. The very clients that may choose to stop doing business with you. Or worse, someone who may decide to never do business with you. Social media should be your best marketing advocate, not a megaphone for any random thought you want to shout at the world. Be yourself, but make sure that you are presenting yourself in a manner that would influence others to connect with you, buy your products, or become your biggest fan! We can be professional and have fun online; the two things are not mutually exclusive.
Summary
As a professional, a business owner, or someone looking to be more polished online, consider the consequences of what you say and how you present yourself. It all matters, and it is all forever. So be yourself, be passionate, be fun, and most importantly, be wise in protecting your personal and professional brand when posting on social media. #PostResponsibly
Contributed by J. Michael Warne
