A few weeks ago, I spoke to someone who had finally reached the end of her rope with an obdurate boss. Having suggested a series of social media initiatives, only to see them wither on the vine as he refused to either push them forward or cancel them, she was ready to move on – not just to another job, but a whole different organization. (Possibly the mob. She has recently dreamed up some innovations on the homicide front that she’s eager to try.)
One of the reasons social media can be so challenging is that it often challenges hierarchies… and people at the top of those hierarchies have grown comfortable there. Some see the potential advantages of an engaging, open online presence, but others feel threatened and vulnerable. They have a wide range of hostile responses at their disposal: from the passive-aggressive (my friend’s boss) to the outright belligerent (see below).
What’s your experience? Have you found yourself inadvertently threatening the powers that be?