Things You Need to Know

Business Etiquette

Another Online Mess

July 16, 2007

It’s happened again. Yet, another CEO, this time Whole Foods head John Mackey, has been caught posting inappropriate messages online. Mackey apparently thought using an “online handle” would somehow preserve his anonymity. Not only was Mackey found out, now the Securities and Exchange Commission has opened an investigation to determine whether he has violated securities law.

I have yet to figure out what it is about the Internet that encourages people to spout off and write messages that they would never share verbally with another person. Some suggest that because bloggers simply stare into a screen, they fail to receive the emotional cues of a human response. The absence of those responses, may encourage a blogger to write without thinking.

There is a time and a place to write without emotional filters. I often am reminded that Abraham Lincoln was famous for dashing off angry letters to his generals, complaining about their failure to press the Union’s cause. Lincoln, however, was smart enough to write the letters late at night and then toss them away the next morning. By expressing his frustrations in writing, Lincoln was able to release his anger. By destroying the letters rather than mailing him, he was able to preserve important relationships.

We can all improve the quality of online exchanges by making one simple commitment: Forget anonymity. Let’s just agree that if we’re not comfortable attaching our name to a statement, then we shouldn’t post it online. Think it, if you want, but don’t say it and don’t post it if you’re not willing to personally stand behind a thought.