Three Things We've Learned About Social Media From The Middle East
These are amazing times we're living in. Social Media is forcing transparency. This is being proven out right in front of our eyes in the world events of the Middle East.
If you're good at what you do and seek to add value to your clients or co-workers, there have never been easier ways for that message to get out. ALSO if you're a horrible manager, boss, team leader, dictator, or whatever, there have never been easier ways for that message to get out either.
So, what have we learned?
1. Its Getting Harder To Hide From The Truth
There was a time not that long ago when you could control people by controlling the information they received. Those days are over. Technologies like Facebook and Twitter have given anyone anywhere with a cell phone access to the same level of information that previously only traditional media companies typically had.
2. Ignoring People Will Catch Up With You
It is amazing to see how as people start to revolt, many old-school dictators think they can just ignore their people. The ironic thing is that the uprisings usually start as simple requests for communication. And the dictators just ignore the people and act as if there is nothing going on. Common (uncommon) courtesy says that if someone is trying to communicate with you, you should acknowledge them and reply. Ignore people (both in person and in social media) at your peril. 3. You Can't Outrun Your Character No matter where you go, there you are. In the 90s it was all about the "spin doctors". With so much access to information nowadays, trying to sugarcoat something is a strategy that's doomed to fail. It may work in the short term but it will never work in the long term. Social Media is nothing but a communications tool. The most amazing communication tool ever invented so far. Imagine if everyone in the world spoke the same language. We're getting there. Yes, there are different languages, but Social Media is bringing those walls down. The walls are coming down because even if we speak different languages, we all are so much more alike than different. We all want to be respected, loved and appreciated. Once they get a taste of freedom and the opportunity to express themselves, you can't put that genie back in the bottle. Your lesson; Listen to the Net, Respond with openness and kindness, don't hide from the bad stuff, know that your good work and reputation will win! Future generations will look back at these days as pivotal to world events and how people communicate. |