What Are We Doing?

An interesting sign of the times.  Individuals on social media who identify themselves by name, photo, job (even senior) title, organization etc. are taking controversial positions on a variety of often emotional subjects.  In the old days discussions about , sex, politics and religion were off limits in the corporate environment.  Apparently, not any more.

If the recent election results are to be believed; 74 million voted for one candidate and 81 million for the other.  So if you are pontificating about one position, you are potentially alienating half of your clients, coworkers, superiors, etc.  What’s the point in doing this?

Short term high possibly; however, items posted online remain forever.  Seems career limiting for a brief moment of venting.

New Normal Model?

First Amendment and all that aside, shouldn’t all of us govern our written feelings?  Writing, so and so is a jerk and I can’t stand him or her maybe a feel good moment.  However, do we do this in real life?  Generally not.

Like sexting, baring your soul online might not be the best approach.  Tempered, as in the real world is probably a better model.  Most of us filter our response to controversial subjects in a business and even social environments.

Why is this filter frequently off when we are online?  Some believe there that online presences have a level of anonymity.  Yet there is no evidence this is remotely true.

Passions of the moment can run deep and after all it is just my opinion and it is my right to express it.  Theoretically this is correct but certain individuals are having accounts closed if the perception by monitors disagrees with their position.  More importantly, the sticky nature of posts may come back to haunt posters.

Suggestion

We are all entitled to our opinions and can express them in a number of ways.  The voting booth and political activism are one way.  Our religious affiliation is another and our sexual preferences are accepted these days.  Taking others to task online for their preference seems intolerant and not relevant when one is seeking to advance one’s career using social media.

Put the older filters back on and reserve judgment for the voting booth, the bedroom and houses of worship.  The cost of venting on these subjects may be quite high and you may never know why you were not promoted, hired, or sales proposal rejected.  Finally, most organizations will have a clause as part of the employment agreement not to use company affiliation the way many are.

We all have opinions, yet how are you remaining professional online?

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We presented, Should Cross Cultural Serious Games Be Included in Your Diversity Program: Best Practices and Lessons Learned at the Online Conference, New Diversity Summit 2020 the week of September 14, 2020.  Check Out this timely event and contact the organizer for access to the presentations!!

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