[August 15, 2015] New generations entering into leadership positions today deserve to be cautioned about the good and bad side of social media as well as the often unseen consequences of its use. For those leaders who must use the media in ways that require us to be discreet, there are many pitfalls. The latest example of mistakes often made by leaders is the improper use of a private email system by U.S. presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton.
This is only the latest in a string of senior leaders who have been sloppy with email that caused harm to employees and themselves.1,2 But it’s not just email that has hidden consequences; others can cause harm in unexpected ways. One of the biggest problems with the U.S. military occurs when troops use Facebook, Twitter, and other media to discuss operationally sensitive matters. Things as simple as saying where you are located can put lives in danger while in a combat zone.
Most of our young people today grew up with considerable experience and expertise in the use of social media. Privacy settings turn out to be not-so-private and embarrassing photographs or what is written is read by folks well beyond its intended audience. A few days ago, for example, a young man posted pictures of himself on Facebook holding a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and discussing how he was “gonna kill some pigs [police officers]”. The next day he was involved in attempted murder of a police officer yet denied ever having possession of or even holding a handgun. His Facebook page will be used as evidence in an upcoming trial.
Today is an age where anything that is electronic can travel anywhere and will be available forever. I know too many young people who write exactly what they think on Twitter and other media outlets. What they do not expect is that anyone with the inclination can always get access and, if so inclined, use it against them in the future. Social media is a tool (I wrote about it earlier, see links here and here) and like any tool must be used with caution.
Senior leaders have the inherent responsibility to educate others about both the good side and the problems with social media. Whether it’s a personal blog, a photo sharing site, a rating-review site, etc., what is shared will be available perpetually.3 Be careful what you say. I once told those who worked for me that they should never write or post anything they would be embarrassed to see on the front page of the New York Times or seen by their mothers.
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- 1. http://www.nwasianweekly.com/2015/08/u-of-illinois-officials-broke-email-rules-to-hide-content-former-university-of-washington-leader-resigns-current-post/
- http://abovethelaw.com/2015/06/biglaw-partner-and-associate-destroyed-evidence-suborned-perjury/
- http://www.talentzoo.com/news/Social-Media-Is-Forever/9915.html