Hey, Do You Know This Guy?

Your Social Media Footprint, Political Rants And Activism Reflect Who You Are In The Workplace Too

During last year’s presidential primaries and general election, I posted a handful of comments on my personal Facebook page. Like many Americans, I was frustrated with the two candidates, suffocating media coverage and endless process.

I just wanted it to end, and go away for good.

And while I considered my posts to be thoughtful, factual ─ of course well written ─ and fairly neutral, I tried not to offend those who disagreed. Three rules guided my words:

• First, I’m not interested in changing anybody’s opinion or getting into an argument through social media;
• Second, the instant my words are out there, I consider them to be in the public domain; and
• Third, my career in marketing and reputation management has taught me that it’s almost impossible to swallow words once they’re spoken or written. The taste is not so good and you’re more apt to choke. Apologizing after the fact to “people you might have offended” rings hallow and insincere. 

Words, like actions, speak volumes as to who we are as individuals. They define us and paint personal reputations. This is true on the job, at home and everywhere in between.

Regardless of political or social affiliation, I think most Americans ─ and the global community in general ─ would describe 2017 as being highly tumultuous. Last year’s election has been replaced with divisive U.S. unrest, civil protests, marches, resistance and violence. People have died.

So, as I watch the day’s news, read online feeds and consume streamed content headlining people shouting racial hatred, destroying property and looting stores, I ask, what do these bigots do for a living? Who employs them? Are they concerned about what co-workers think? And, what are the workplace consequences to their actions?

I don’t have answers, but of this I’m certain: if ever I see someone with whom I work, marching, carrying a torch and screaming vulgarity, I hope my employer would not remain silent. While I appreciate constitutional law and civil liberties, some freedom of expression should come with big costs, including damage to personal reputation and potential loss of livelihood.

Wayne A. Roberts is a global communications, marketing and business development leader specializing in helping organizations achieve accelerated growth and success through orchestrated change. He can be reached at [email protected]