Final answer:
If a social media post as an employee garners negative attention, it is best to reassess the content, consult with HR if necessary, and potentially remove the post and apologize. Building a positive professional image through actions rather than social media is advised. Maintain a consciousness of social media's public nature and its long-term implications for your career.
Step-by-step explanation:
As an employee, if you have made a social media post that was reasonable in your opinion but received a lot of negative attention, the best course of action to minimize potential fallout with your organization involves several steps. Initially, assess the content and its impact objectively. If the post has indeed violated any company policies or could potentially harm the company's reputation, it might be wise to remove the post and offer a sincere apology. Consult with your company's human resources or public relations department for guidance on how to address the situation. It's essential to recognize your position within the company and to understand that public criticism could be perceived as an attack on the organization.
Building a positive social media presence is key. Focusing on actions that demonstrate your value, such as completing projects on time and showing a strong work ethic, will enhance your credibility more than social media posts. It's crucial to be aware of privacy settings, avoid sharing sensitive information, and resist making negative comments about employers or discriminatory remarks. Everything you post on social media essentially goes into the public domain and can impact future opportunities, as demonstrated in the examples of mishaps by others.
Moreover, it's helpful to examine your social media activity through the lens of a rhetorical situation to better anticipate audience reactions. This includes understanding the genre, purpose, stance, context, and cultural awareness of your posts.