What is the best way to react when your employer or supervisor sends you a friend request on Facebook? Should you accept it or reject it? If you accepted, you may reveal personal information that can potentially harm you in the future, and if you rejected the request, he may be upset or feel that you are ignoring him, which may threaten your professional relationship. With the increasing popularity of this social networking site, everyone can benefit from some practical tips to avoid unfavorable conflicts between professional and personal life.
Always keep in mind that whatever information you share online, can ultimately end up in anyone's hands. Therefore, you need to understand that it is not necessary to accept your boss’s friend request. According to the etiquette consultant, Claudia Caporal, you can reject or even not respond to these kinds to requests. She adds that if your boss demanded a clarification, you can simply answer that you don’t spend a lot of time on Facebook, or any other type of social networking sites, and that you use these sites to communicate only with close friends and family members.
Here are some tips and suggestions to help you follow Facebook etiquette:
-If you must accept your employer’s friend request, you can remove him from the friends list few days later. Don’t worry; he will not be notified about that.
-Avoid gossiping on your wall.
-Always remember that social networking sites are an open place for your colleagues and superiors, and that they can read your positive or negative comments.
-Keep your photo albums private.
-Don’t forget that your Facebook wall only represents you.
Remember these tips well when uploading photos or writing your comments on personal or professional matters.
