Some advice for my angry LinkedIn connection
Bob McIntosh
?? I’m on the frontline fighting The Good Fight against unemployment ◆ Career Coach ◆ LinkedIn Trainer ◆ Candorful Volunteer ◆ Blogging Fanatic ◆ Avid Walker ?? LinkedIn Top Voices #LinkedInUnleashed?
And my short story about Johnny
When I was a youth, I had a friend who was angry all the time. Johnny was his name. He had a younger brother, Billy, who was a better athlete than him and more affable. Johnny was jealous of his younger brother.
When we played pick up football, Johnny was the slower and less nimble of the group. Billy and I were the better football players. This, I suppose, made Johnny even more angry.
At times Johnny would lash out at me for no apparent reason. I would disagree with him and BAM he would hit me. One time I ducked his punch and smacked him in the face. And then I ran like hell. I was a lover, not a fighter.
The other kids in the neighborhood couldn't understand why Johnny was so angry; why he lashed out at me. At the time I didn't understand his anger. And then one day my father told me that some people are just plain angry, and there's only one thing you can do about it; distance yourself from him.
So that's what I did.
My angry LinkedIn connection,
I see some of your posts on LinkedIn, and I think that you are angry. Angry all the time, like Johnny. And I think there's no reason for you to show your anger, especially when others are watching you.
Bob McIntosh, CPRW, is a career trainer who leads more than 17 job search workshops at an urban career center, as well as critiques LinkedIn profiles and conducts mock interviews. Job seekers and staff look to him for advice on the job search. In addition, Bob has gained a reputation as a LinkedIn authority in the community. Bob’s greatest pleasure is helping people find rewarding careers in a competitive job market. For enjoyment, he blogs at Things Career Related. Follow Bob on Twitter, https://www.twitter.com/bob_mcintosh_1, connect with him on LinkedIn, http://www.dhirubhai.net/in/bobmcintosh; read his blog, https://www.thingscareerrelated.com
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9 年Thank you for writing on this important topic, Bob. This is a reminder to all of us that it's not just our technical skills that get us hired. It's our ability to communicate effectively and navigate difficult social complexities that move us forward professionally, regardless of the field we're in.
Client Advisor | Summit Technologies, a Salesforce Consulting Partner
9 年Bob, Good article. Job Seekers should also be mindful that employers have Facebook accounts too. While some things are more acceptable on Facebook, be mindful of your on-line activity in general.
Helping Manufacturers Boost Productivity Using A/I-Driven Robotics Technology
9 年I enjoyed your post, Bob. LI often feels like Speaker's Corner in London's Hyde Park, where people can rant to their heart's content as long as they don't break the law. People publish posts on Li to express themselves, and often they do so heedless of the audience. We can remind angry authors that LI is for professional networking and collaboration. Do you find that responding to angry authors just throws fuel on the fire? No matter how ardently we strive to encourage civility, there will be those who want to rant on inappropriate topics. Your first advice is perhaps the wisest … distance yourself. Ignore them. Thanks for sharing your timely and thought-provoking opinions.
#TheLinkedInGuru (Guru = Teacher) LinkedIn Trainer, LinkedIn Training, Professional Networker, Volunteering - getting paid in 3 "Cs", Coffee, Conversation, and occasionally Chocolate! Please Follow Me! Namaste ?? ??
9 年Well said, Bob! I have always found that "you reap what you sow" and if all you sow is anger... Keep your anger out of LinkedIn. It doesn't do you or anyone else any good.
Semi Retired at Retire
9 年I liked Bob's sentiment, although maybe we cannot "ban" politics from LinkedIn because it may be pertinent to some jobs. Just being angry is a sign of weakness not strength and is certainly not professional. My advice to "angry man" is to calm down and think before you write something which you may later regret.