How about some commonsense on both sides?

I recently had the good fortune to present at a workshop for young professionals in the Aged Care Industry. During that workshop the issue of social networking sites was raised. Recently, a story had been reported where a 16-year-old girl, in her first job, made comments about how boring the job was.

Despite the that she had not identified her employer or the organisation in any way when her boss saw the entry he called her in and sacked on the spot.

When I was asked about this issue I raised two points which I would like to share with you: firstly, do not write anything in an e-mail or a blog that you would not like either your mother or your boss to see. THE WEB IS A PUBLIC SPACE!

Secondly, you really have to wonder about the sensitivity (or hypersensitivity) of the boss in question. Surely common sense would dictate that you would call the staff member in, explain to her that although she hadn't mentioned the organisation anyone who knew her would know who she was talking about.

It seems to me that there was a failure on both sides to manage expectations - what the job would be like, what the staff member had to do to improve her prospects, and finally what the best method of communication would be.

If you think that her behaviour was juvenile, you'd be right! She was, after all, only 16 and this was her first job.

Harry