ON ACCEPTING FRIEND REQUEST FROM BOSS

Should I accept friend request from my boss or higher colleague?

The answer is it depends.

NO…

If you are that kind of person who always post work-related stuff on Facebook, whether it is a rant about your boss or to a co-member or simply giving your personal opinion on what recently happened in the office, I suggest not to accept your boss’ friend request.

Your personal judgment on work-related stuff might have a negative impact to how your boss perceives your attitude and character at work.

Facebook and other social media activities are all personal web properties. Though Facebook has already been used for prospecting job applicants and connecting to other like-minded professionals, such platform is for personal use and you won’t be held liable if you don’t accept friend request from your boss.

I’ve sent FB requests to all of my employees. Some accepted it. Others didn’t. When I asked those who didn’t accept my friend requests if they see notifications on Facebook, they said they’d would have to open their accounts again and may have unintentionally overlooked my friend requests.

I got it right. It’s an indirect way of telling me they need some space.

Meanwhile, if you don’t want any drama to happen in your office, as soon as your boss sees one of your post concerning your work relationship with him or any related matters, then I highly suggest not to accept his friend request.

YES…

If you think our boss might think that you have something to hide when you decline his request, then accept his friend request at your own risk.

I suggest that you create a custom list to include your acquainted colleagues including your boss or simply mark them as acquaintances. You can set your photo status and timeline tagging visible to all your friends except acquaintances. This restricts them from seeing any of post activity on your timeline.

Your Facebook account is your personal property. You have a choice to accept or decline a friend request, even if it is from your boss or higher colleague.

YOUR TURN

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I’ll be around today to reply to comments and answer questions.