Social Media and Social Networking in HR Everybody is Talking Social Media and Social Networking in HR

This is the world today

Social media explained by the Pointy Haired boss…

Going to give you an overview of the Social Web – what it is, how it works, and why it important for any business to understand. Give disclaimer! Not advocacy on what Publix should do. Just trying to keep up

already in the conversation If you are in business, and especially if you are a major brand, you are already involved in the dialogue The major question that most companies must answer about this conversation is, how will you manage this dialogue, if you choose to manage it at all. Some companies choose not to. Being in social media is not the right choice for every organization. The choice your company faces is whether you want to do anything to proactively manage, direct or influence the conversation by taking part in that dialogue. My advice is that you should be, but that decision is not an appropriate one for every organization. HR professionals are also already engaged in the social media dialogue whether you know it or not., and frankly whether you like it or not. You face the same choices I just mentioned above.

Core Competency Understanding the social web Becoming a critical skill Strategic opportunity for HR Why? It is part of the new way we communicate. Not everyone, but enough you can’t afford to ignore it The major question that most companies must answer about this conversation is, how will you manage this dialogue, if you choose to manage it at all. Some companies choose not to. Being in social media is not the right choice for every organization. The choice your company faces is whether you want to do anything to proactively manage, direct or influence the conversation by taking part in that dialogue. My advice is that you should be, but that decision is not an appropriate one for every organization. HR professionals are also already engaged in the social media dialogue whether you know it or not., and frankly whether you like it or not. You face the same choices I just mentioned above.

Social Media Not rocket science. Policy is not the priority Know the tools How social media might benefit How social media tools might harm Understand that social media is not the equivalent of rocket science.  It does involve technology, but it is only a type of tool.  Tools can be used for good or evil. Don’t make developing a policy the highest priority on your professional agenda.  You need to develop at least a general understanding of the principal tools first.  This doesn’t mean you need to develop the competency of a power user. Think about how social media tools might be useful within your organization. Think about how social media tools might be used against your organization. Think about identifying internal and external subject matter experts on social media who can offer advice and support. Think about doing this BEFORE you are called on to  give advice.  If you wait until then, you are already too late. Think of gaining social media expertise as an opportunity to develop your strategic presence at work, then think about taking advantage of this golden opportunity to enhance your career.

Who’s talking? Customers Competitors Employees Detractors 3rd parties

Blogs

Twitter

Tweetdeck

CUstomers

Competitors

Detractors

Government agencies

Employees

Employees

Mott’s

Mott’s

The 10 Commandments of Zappos Core values keeps company on track 1. Deliver WOW through service 2. Embrace and drive change 3. Create fun and a little weirdness 4. Be adventurous, creative and open-minded 5. Pursue growth and learning 6. Build open and honest relationships with communication 7. Build a positive team and family spirit 8. Do more with less 9. Be passionate and determined 10. Be humble

communicate This is the stuff you do every day, tied to your culture – basic building blocks that make your business move forward, coupled with the information that you glean from staying aware and in tune with your internal and external environment. In other words, use your basic communication processes to make strategic and topical interventions for specific employee relations issues. This builds positive employee relations all the time!

Social Media Thoughts on Policy

Social Media Policy

Policy considerations Introduce the purpose of social media Be responsible for what you write Be authentic Consider your audience Exercise good judgment Understand the concept of community Respect copyrights and fair use Remember to protect confidential /proprietary info Bring value Productivity matters Source: Mashable

Forrester Use social media to enhance our research. Be themselves and be Forrester too. Engage in conversations. Show thought leadership. Be constructive. Respect our clients. Have a global voice. Save our full value for clients. Work with Forrester to build a social presence. Comply with all Forrester policies and agreements.

Ethical dilemma Employee posts photos from the night before where executive is in compromising situation via Facebook and flickr

Ethical dilemma Employee talks disrespectfully about coworkers via Facebook

Ethical dilemma Employee recommends the four employees you just fired via LinkedIn

Ethical dilemma Employee posts semi-sexual language on coworkers photos via Facebook... think: Damn, you look hot!

Questions?

Michael Vandervort Assisting companies with social media, HR and labor/employee relations issues and research Email: michael.vandervort@gmail.com Phone: 813-417-8781 Twitter: @MikeVanDervort Blog: http://thehumanracehorses.com