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COMMUNICATION BRIEFINGSAugust 2012 Page 7

Read ’em & reap The Big Book of HR by Barbara

Mitchell and Cornelia Gamlem provides comprehensive guidance for anyone who must manage employees. The book covers hiring, onboarding, engagement, retention, compensation, employee development, labor relations and con- flict resolution. The appendix is packed with additional resources, including sam- ple forms, policies and checklists. $19.99, Career Press, www.careerpress.com.

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7 rules for using social media at work TAMING TECHNOLOGY

Social media’s popularity has sky- rocketed in recent years, and it will become more entrenched in our daily personal and work lives. When you use social media at work, follow these rules:

1. Know what you can share. Learn from your supervisor what infor- mation is proprietary and confidential. If you post something that you don’t have permission to share, you risk los- ing your job and, in some cases, facing legal consequences.

2. Don’t ever post something that you wouldn’t say to someone’s face or that you wouldn’t want your orga- nization to see.

3. Keep your cool. If someone insults you or your organization, it’s tempting to fire back a quick remark, leading you to make a rude comment for everyone to see. Always stay calm and be considerate when you reply.

4. Don’t feel obligated to “Friend” or “Follow” anyone, including co- workers and bosses. Simply explain that you want to keep your work life separate from your personal life and politely decline the request.

5. Be honest. Never post lies or inflammatory comments about the organization, co-workers, customers,

competitors and so on. If you make a mistake, admit it and quickly make a correction.

6. Don’t insult the competition. Anything you say has to be substanti- ated, but even if you have proof that a competitor has shady practices or faulty products, don’t take digs at the organization.

7. Provide credit for any ideas you get from other sources, linking back to the original source. Even if you just received an idea from somewhere else, give that person or source a nod. — Adapted from Polite, Professional, Promotable: Etiquette for Today’s Workplace. To learn more about this new training tool, visit www.WorkplaceTrainingCenter.com.

Set up for decision Meet at a wide rectangular table

when your group needs to make a deci- sion. When groups sit at a round table, no one appears to have the position of authority, and they have trouble reach- ing decisions. — Adapted from “The Shape of the Conference Table Equals Success or Failure,” Ruth Haag, Getting Along in the Office, www.ruthhaag.com.

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Tell us about your communication pet peeves and best practices. Visit the Nitpickers’ Nook blog (http://nitpickers nook.com) to share advice for writing clearly, speaking effectively and listen- ing carefully.

A better response to criticism

Even if someone offers unwarranted criticism, don’t react emotionally. Instead, focus on understanding the reasons behind the person’s complaints. Ask questions to ensure that you fully under- stand what the person is asking you to correct. Then tell the person “Thanks for bringing this to my attention.”

Later, when you are calmer and you’ve had a chance to process the person’s feedback, determine if the comments have any merit. Then decide what changes you need to make. — Adapted from “The Most Important Rule for Receiving Feedback,” Al Pittampalli, Modern Meeting Standard, http://modernmeetingstandard.com.

QUICK TIP Forge a stronger link with the

connections you want to make on LinkedIn. Take the time to add a personal message to the standard invitation. That shows you care about the other person. — Adapted from “Bringing Back Professional Courtesy,” Management Excellence by Art Petty, http://artpetty.com.

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