Be Careful What You Post | The Home of Peter Shankman – Shankman.com

Great example of what gave rise to the old wisdom to say something nice or nothing at all. Of course, this isn’t always the best way to address problems, but still something to keep in mind. Otherwise, you may find yourself out of a job, a friend, or an opportunity. Just remember, whatever you write is out there for the world (whether on the computer or on a post-it). If it is recorded, it better represent you in the best way possible.

Why does this belong on a CALL blog? Simple. Because we all have to learn and teach our students this very fact. There are great benefits to social media, but there are also great potential drawbacks. We all get upset and we are tempted to write what we feel. Go with that, but, at the same time, put on your politician hat and say it in the nicest way possible.

My Grandfather had a sign on his bathroom wall that I’ll never forget, titled, “Irish Diplomacy. The ability to tell a man to go to hell and have him look forward to the trip.”

Though funny, it is a great way to approach managing your social identity. You can tell people to go to hell, but do it in ways that are fair, balanced, supportable, and, most importantly, rely on rational, rather than emotional, logic.