Enterprise Social Media: Part 1
“Ok, Boomer.”
I’m doing a bit of research on social media use within the
enterprise and I must say, it’s making me feel ancient. In my personal life,
having two kids ages 17 and 20 have me hustling to keep up with the acronyms and
everyday language of today’s youth. TBH, I love Instagram, YouTube and TikTok;
they keep me young and hip with my children’s friend group.
WTF.
Actually, I’m not hip and I’m not young, but I do love the transparency and feedback loop within
social media. It fits nicely with my open source leadership beliefs and principles.
(TFW I practice my acronym usage. LOL.)
In all seriousness, let’s talk how the usage of social media
has (IMHO!) made the workplace less formal and our conversations more
relaxed. Having channels and email lists for fun topics like cute animals, bacon-flavored
items or Lacroix lovers helps us build social connection in the workplace. It’s
playful and provides a place to share a part of your personality with the rest
of your colleagues. I’m all for relaxed and less formal, but I believe there is
one line not worth crossing: The Feedback Line.
The Feedback Line
If you want to provide feedback to an individual for the
purpose of changing behavior, the best way to do that is not via DM on Slack.
For feedback to be absorbed, the receiver needs to know that the giver is
sharing the information with positive intent. I believe this is only
accomplished through a face-to-face (in person or virtual) discussion.
Providing feedback in a conversation format allows it to be a two-way
discussion. By using a chat tool or even email, you have pretty much assured
the receiver that you are not open to a conversation or learning more about the
circumstances surrounding the feedback. You’ve signaled that your perception is
“right” and the feedback is a one-way street. That’s counter-productive to
building a high-performing relationship. If you’ve done this and it produced a
positive outcome, my best guess is that you have already established a strong social and
professional connection with one another.
In your opinion (aka IYHO), what other lines are there?