How would you react if someone said to you, “I don’t use that email thing.”? Would you hire them for an HR job?
Thirty years ago, the internet was just a fad. Only it wasn’t.
Twenty years ago, email was just a fad. Only it wasn’t.
Today, social media is just a fad. Only it isn’t.
If you don’t use “that social media thing,” you need to. Not knowing how is going to be the same as not using email in five years.
Bonus: If you’re social media savvy, why not teach your colleagues and employees how to use these tools?
PS: I’m writing a book on employer branding with social media. Click here to learn more.
Because my coworkers don’t seem to WANT to know how to use any of the social tools. I don’t get it. Even if I show them how I’ve received benefits from my time investment, they still say, “I don’t have time.” I know that really just means “it’s not a priority for me,” but it’s still plenty frustrating.
Thanks for getting my morning started off on a rant. :-)
I spoke with an ad agency friend of mine a week ago and he made a good point. The social media tools aren’t as abstract for a slightly younger generation because we have more or less grown up with these tools. Older generations (something I still run into like Ben) don’t see the point of it – that it’s a waste of time. Unfortunately, time will eventually prove them wrong and they’ll be scrambling to play catch-up
I’m not as convinced as some folks that social media use is age related. I think it might have more to do with how you communicate in general. I figure communication hasn’t occurred until the message has been received; so I’m wiling to go where our employees are to get a message across. I’m fine with sending multiple messages using a number of different channels — intranet, FB, text message, twitter, blog, etc… I know a lot of people that think that communication has occurred when a message has been posted. By my observation these folks are much less interested in using social media. We could probably develop some sort of Myers Briggs type test that would predict interest in using social media tools to communicate.
@Ben - Sorry to get you fired up first thing in morning!
@Drew & @Janet – Great point/counter-point! I think, like most things in life, it’s probably a bit of both.
I’m not big on generational stereotypes, but generally speaking, younger folks do adopt new technologies more quickly. Not to say boomers don’t use social media tools – they’re just slower to adopt them.
That said, I know a few boomers at work who are far more tech savvy and up on these tools than some of my gen-y colleagues.
And to Janet’s point, many of the people I know who are big communicators in the first place are far more reticent to adopt these tools than those I know who are naturally social.
Cheers for the comments!
Chris
No, I would not hire them for an HR job. The vast amount of information that you can find in a pinch is immeasurable. I would be happy to teach my coworkers how to use SM — there are only a few who are active. I also believe that it is age related — folks are comfortable. It’s only until there’s a NEED larger than themselves when people will step out of their comfort zone.
Great post. I’ll also add that I think naysayers just don’t feel the value of interacting with others online. I think some people secretly resent information being shared so freely by so many people.
@Kimberly – So true. HR as a professional usually isn’t known for being on the cutting edge. How do we change that so it’s more of an indoctrinated part of our discipline (like it is with marketing, for example)?
@AC – I think you’re right: Some people “just don’t feel the value of interacting with others online.” Not sure I follow with the resentment piece though… care to ellaborate?