“Wow, I’m glad I went to college before social media!” How many times have you heard someone say that lately?
Gen X and some of the older Gen Y (a.k.a. “geriatric” millennials) grew up without email. We passed handwritten notes in class, with our biggest fear being a teacher intercepting it and potentially reading it aloud.
There was only one copy…unless someone took the effort to preserve it.
While these handwritten snapshots are usually happy memories (or nervously asking someone if they liked us), some of the handwritten correspondence is filled with drama and other things you wouldn’t be proud to say.
These were easily destroyed by burning and tossing them into a fireplace. Unless you’re Eliza Schuyler, who married “an Icarus. He [Hamilton] has flown too close to the sun,” and he’s published the letters.
Staying Safe Online
Gen X and older Gen Y understand how valuable the ability to have discreet correspondence was. Yet clients still ask me if there’s a way they could simply delete an email or a message so no one can ever see or use them.
Internet: Thank You for the Convenience, But No Thank You for the Memories
Even if you press “delete,” traces can be found. Staying safe online and being discreet is harder than ever.
As someone in a leadership position, eyes are on you. A leaked memo or an email from “an executive at XYZ Company” routinely shows up as a source in news stories and social media.
Who gets a hold of these documents? It’s often an inside job — whether it’s a whistleblower or a personal conflict, you must always be cautious when communicating online about what you write.
Here are some of the dos and don’ts from clients:
DON’T talk sh*t about your investors, employees, vendors, or anyone you work with.
DON’T threaten or be rude to anyone.
DON’T tell an employee you have feelings for or proposition them.
DON’T write something sarcastic that you think is funny when discussing something sensitive.
DON’T write about business secrets with people outside of the Circle of Trust.
DON’T write messages or an email when you’re angry
The last rule is significant. While conflict is unavoidable, an email or a text message IS NOT the place to handle it.
We see a lot of crises transpiring from an angry email or inappropriate messages. It doesn’t have to be part of litigation discovery to cause a problem.
But what if you’re the one RECEIVING an angry/insulting email or message?
✔ Remember: It’s (often) not about YOU; it’s about the situation.
✔ Don’t fight fire with fire and respond in kind.
✔ If you’re feeling worked up, take a step back and respond after a few hours (not drinks) later.
✔ Ask yourself: Is this a conversation that needs to be had face-to-face or over the phone?
So the next time you’re about to hit send, always ask yourself: Is this something I wouldn’t want to see on the first page of The New York Times?
The answer will be clear.
And if you’re ever in doubt, don’t send the email (or write it at all).
Call us at (310) 396-8696 for a 15-minute consultation.
Gillott Communications is a Los Angeles-based public relations firm that specializes in high-stakes Crisis & Reputation Management with more than 50 years of expertise in strategic communications, corporate public relations, and working with the media.
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