Everyone that has hit
"sent" and regretted it later, raise your hand! Remorse,
embarrassment, damaged reputation, hurt feelings, even job loss are among the
consequences that can be the result of emails, texting or postings on Facebook
that just weren’t well thought out. Especially, when we are reactive or too mad, too sad,
too glad or are in a state of being thoughtlessly impulsive we are more
likely to hit send and then later wish we hadn’t.
Here are some important reminders and tips to maintain your
reputation and integrity around all your electronic communications.
1. Assume that every work email will be read by someone
other than to whom it was directed. Your employer may review your emails
at any time for any reason.
When you feel reactive and want to write an email or reply to one,
try this. Put your name in the send to line immediately, draft what you want to say,
wait, wait and if you still want to send it, change out your name to the
appropriate party. You will be so glad you did this if you should accidentally hit send. You'll be giving thanks that all you had to say,
that shouldn’t have been said, only went to you.
2. It is also safe to assume that even when you send an
email of any kind from any email account that the emails can be viewed later
in civil litigation or by law enforcement with a search warrant. Of
course, every email we send can be forwarded on to persons unbeknownst to us.
3. When you throw something in the "trash" on your
computer it is still retrievable by someone who knows all the magic tricks to
dissecting your hard drive.
4. Facebook postings are never private. Photos of you having
the time of your life may be enjoyed by your friends but when you post those
photos or divulge what's on your mind, remember your friend's friends may be
your boss’s wife or husband. Recently, I had someone tell me they went on a job
interview and were asked to bring up their Facebook account online in the
interview.
Most of us are unlikely to ever have our
emails or Facebook posts became a national scandal. But because nearly all
electronic communications are, ultimately, discoverable, you may want to revert
to the old fashioned pen and paper for truly private communications.
Before you hit “send” think it
over so you can avoid sender’s regret. Postpone some of your posts in order
to derail future Facebook blues that could live you red-faced.
Still learning,
Honey
