Social media is for sharing your life updates. Those updates can include what you had for lunch, where you’re going on vacation and who you might be voting for.
Most of the social media sites have “filters” that put you in control of who can see your content. You might want to make it available for everyone on the planet or just your circled of friends and family. Of course, you also get to “invite” people to be a part of your various timelines. That puts you further in control but it doesn’t mean you have to invite everyone.
In fact, there are some coworkers you need to purposely keep off your social media feeds.
Here’s who needs to be avoided:
The Boss
Your boss or supervisor is should absolutely not be on your social media. They might send you a friend request in the interest of being nice. You should resist the temptation. You might post photos or opinions that would sway your boss away from a promotion or raise (it happens). If they send you the “friend request,” then wait a week to see if there is any mention. If you feel guilty, then add them to your LinkedIn page to keep it professional. You should also avoid talking about your posts around the boss because the inclination would be to have them join in on the “fun.”
Coworkers Who Aren’t Friends
You can spend eight hours a day, five days a week with a coworker but that doesn’t automatically make them your friend. That’s okay because you’re there to work not make friends. Of course, you can develop deeper relationships with like-minded coworkers outside of work. The coworkers who you develop those outside friendships with could be included. It might help to follow the “invite” rule. If they’ve invited you over to their house or you’ve invited them over to your home, then you’re friends and you’re socializing. Anyone else shouldn’t be added to your timeline.
Subordinates
Depending on the job, you could be in a managerial position at work. That means you have subordinates working under you in terms of the hierarchy. You don’t need to invite them into your personal life online. You want to keep that distance as a leader. It is all about defining the boundaries at work.
Anyone With “Issues”
The hope is that we all get along with our coworkers. But there is always the chance that you might have issues with a fellow staff member. However intense those issues are, they could be blown way out of proportion online. A comment taken out of context can lead to some serious repercussions. You don’t need to invite more conflict.
Anyone You Meet on Day One
When you start a new job, you are inclined to reach out to make connections with your new coworkers. All of those connections should happen at work. Later on, you might develop those friendships and can bring them into your online circle. If something is great that you want to share online, then show your coworker the post. They don’t need to be on your timeline to see it.
