Can I block my boss on Facebook?
Paste BN columnist Steven Petrow offers advice about digital etiquette.
Q: My boss has sent Facebook friend requests to many of my fellow co-workers. I don’t want to be put in this uncomfortable position. What do you think if I just block him before he has a chance to send me a request?
– Minding My Own Business
A: Go ahead and block a supervisor, but that may create ill will for no reason, nor will it entirely solve your problem. Sure, your boss won’t have a clue about your online comings and going from your page — but if as you say he’s become friends with your co-workers he may see your posts and photos on those pages, including any summertime frolicking on the beach on a day you called in sick.
One solution might be to set up different groups of friends, accepting your boss and putting him in a silo of his own or with others from work. But, again, that’s not foolproof.
If there’s any one lesson I want to communicate, it’s this: I don’t rely on privacy settings, and you shouldn’t either. That’s especially true when it comes to your job. Assume that anything you post can be read by anyone. Which means: be circumspect about what you share online.
You might want to ask your HR department if your company has a policy about this, since some workplaces actually prohibit bosses from friending their subordinates. If they don’t have such a policy, ask them to consider one. Just be thankful you don’t work for a company that demands access to your social media accounts during the interview process, or requires you to friend the boss once you’re hired, as a way of monitoring any possible security breaches — or conduct unbecoming an employee. (Fortunately this practice may soon be outlawed in many states.)
At least, though, you’re ahead of the game; so many people have written to me after they’ve received a friend request from the boss and are flummoxed as to how to respond. The short answer to them: Don’t ignore it. Respond by saying you're happy to connect via LinkedIn, the professional networking service, but that you prefer to reserve Facebook for your personal life.
Finally, a word to all bosses, chiefs, supervisors, and managers: You’re supposed to set an example and to be a good role model, not a pal. So don’t send friend requests to anyone who reports to you directly. And when in doubt, don’t.
Agree or disagree with my advice? Let me know in the comments section.
Submit your question to Steven at stevenpetrow@earthlink.net. You can also follow Steven on Twitter: @StevenPetrow. Or like him on Facebook at facebook.com/stevenpetrow.