Business Education

I Just Learned One of My Best Employees Criticized My Business On Social Media, What Should I Do?

You’ve just discovered one of your best team members has criticized your company on social media. So, you’re wondering what to do about it. Well, that depends if the comments were overall positive or negative. If the former, there’s quite a bit you can do. However, if it’s the latter, there’s relatively little you can do. Read on to learn more about how to deal with employees who criticize their organizations on social media.

Dealing with Negative Employee Comments about Your Business

Let’s begin with a negative situation. You’ve recently found out a great employee (who you like and trust) has made some really disparaging comments about your company — maybe even directed at you personally — on social media. Now, you’re wondering what to do about it. If the comments are negative and harmful to your business’ reputation, you most definitely need to address the situation immediately.

Criticism in the workplace can be constructive if an individual is pointing out concrete inefficiencies and offering suggestions for positive improvements; or criticism can be destructive, when one person tears down and negatively critiques the actions of others while offering no suggestions for positive improvement. —Houston Chronicle Small Business

This is a difficult conversation to have, there’s no doubt about it. But, a stern warning might be enough to move past the moment. It’s probably also necessary to talk about his or her future and potential separation from the company, should the behavior continue. While it’s a hard thing to do, derogatory comments simply are not acceptable. So, invite him or her to vent their grievances in private instead of on social media.

Dealing with Positive Employee Comments about a Your Business

If this is a situation where the comments were critical yet constructive or positive, it’s an entirely different set of circumstances. Since it’s a totally opposite attitude, you might still be personally hurt or feel undermined, but it’s far better than dealing with a completely negative scenario. Here are some effective methods for dealing with a good employee who publicly criticized your business on social media:

Make him or her understand the proper context. The very first thing you need to do is to let him or her know that it is not acceptable or appropriate to criticize the company on social media. Instead, the appropriate time and place is right in the workplace, where discussions are private and between colleagues, where such input belongs.
Let your employee know your door is always open. Of course, it’s up to you to open your office door and make all your employees understand they have an open-ended invitation to speak with you at any time they feel it is necessary. (Obviously, you’ll need to set some boundaries to ensure there’s mutual respect and interactions remain overall positive.)
Solicit feedback from all your team members regularly. While this might be super-obvious, it’s most definitely worth repeating. You cannot operate in your business in a vacuum. It’s not a good dynamic and worse yet, when you don’t listen to the people around you who are in the trenches with you, it’s only going to erode the environment and worsen over time.

What other suggestions do you have? How else would you handle such a situation? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your unique perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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BREAKING NEWS! Entrepreneurs who need to raise capital will have no restrictions!

May 24, 2017 No Comments

Hi Everyone! The moment many of us have been waiting for has finally arrived! About an hour ago, the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) voted to approve the FINAL rules for Title III Equity Crowdfunding under the JOBS act legislation. What this means is that in approximately 90 days, ANYONE, regardless of income, will be able to invest in a startup by purchasing shares or issuing debt and earning a financial return on their investment. This also provides entrepreneurs who need to raise capital a HUGE new investor pool as there are no restrictions on income or net worth in order to make an investment (there are caps / safeguards however built into the legislation). I will update you all as I get more information but today is a HUGE day to celebrate! To everyone who has been following this movement for the last few years, get ready for things to change in a HUGE way! Manolis Sfinarolakis Founder & CEO RCTV & VICN This is great news for Entrepreneurs who want to raise funds from the general population. I’ll post more on this later, in the meantime please share and celebrate! John Waters [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

How to Support an Employee Going through a Crisis

May 1, 2021 No Comments

One employee’s personal crisis can become a big problem for your business in an instant. That’s unfortunate and even inconvenient but it can easily become a reality. (Especially during a time of disruption, caused by a global pandemic and subsequent shutdowns and re-openings.) When employees return to work — or continue to work through such turbulent times — crisis can manifest in various ways. When it affects an employee, it can likewise have a substantial impact on your business. Crisis Comes in Many Forms We’ve all heard the statistics and figures about the toll the lock-downs have taken. Drug use and overdoses are at historic highs. Depression runs rampant. Job losses are also a huge problem and with those losses, undue financial pressure. Then, there’s just the matter of separation of family members and close friends from one another. We all have life events that distract us from work from time to time — an ailing family member, a divorce, the death of a friend. You can’t expect someone to be at their best at such times. But as a manager what can you expect? How can you support the person to take care of themselves emotionally while also making sure they are doing their work (or as much of it as they are able to)? —Harvard Business Review The divorce rate is also expected to spike when all the data is calculated. Plus, births have actually fallen — not risen — as formerly expected. The point is crisis comes in many forms and can emerge in any one (or more) of your employees’ lives. When this happens, it can have a profound effect on your business. Ways Businesses can Deal with an Employee in a Crisis Situation Fortunately, there are ways businesses can deal with an employee in a crisis situation. Nearly regardless of the circumstances, you can help your team member get through and stay a productive part of your company. Here are some of the most effective strategies to help employees cope with personal crisis: Encouragement. Okay, let’s begin with an obvious need — being supportive. Offering your support and encouragement can do a lot — a whole lot — for someone experiencing uncertainty and anxiety. A few kind, supportive words occasionally can have a really big impact on his or her attitude, work quality/quantity, and more positives. Incentives. Another way to help an employee in a crisis is to reward them with incentives. Just a small reward can help lift up a person’s spirits in profound ways. If you can find the right rewards, they will indeed big a real return on investment. Flexibility. Of course, offering him or her the flexibility they need will also do a lot for their mental and emotional health. By letting them customize their schedule and offering a combination of work-from-home and on-site, you can help them get through a very tough time. Contingencies. An employee experiencing a personal crisis might not be able to maintain a routine schedule. If you are confident this will only last for a short amount of time, you can have someone else step in and take some of their workload. Referrals. Unfortunately, not every situation will come to a positive end. Some crises are just too much and result in having to let an employee go or accept a resignation. If this happens, you can always offer a referral to help him or her to help them secure a new position. What other suggestions do you have? Please take a few minutes to share your own thoughts and feelings so that others can benefit from your experiences and perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Whether You Think You Can Or You Think You Can’t, You’re…Wrong?

October 24, 2024 No Comments

Henry Ford once famously said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” But, if you just replace the last word with its antonym, does it really change the statement’s meaning? It’s not much different than the glass half-empty, glass half-full analogy. The point is that in every situation, no matter how challenging, opportunity does present itself. It’s whether you choose to act on it or not. So, let’s take a few moments to break this down and gain some insight that can be very valuable in tough circumstances. Best Tips For Maintaining A Positive Outlook When Things Go Wrong We’ve all heard the comparison: entrepreneurship is a “rollercoaster ride” of highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. While the allure of success drives many to embark on this journey, the reality often includes unexpected hurdles and long moments of doubt. When carefully laid plans go awry and obstacles seem insurmountable, maintaining a positive outlook can be a Herculean task. Yet, optimism is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship, fueling perseverance and innovation in the face of adversity. Staying Optimistic as an Entrepreneur Let’s stay with the rollercoaster analogy—some days you’re soaring high, and other days, you feel like you’re plunging down. It’s easy to get lost in the negativity that comes with challenges. But how can you keep that sparkle of optimism alive, even when the going gets tough? Below, we’ll explore some strategies to help you maintain a bright outlook, starting with perspective. Embrace the Learning Curve Every setback can feel like a punch to the gut, but what if we saw them as opportunities for growth? When things don’t go as planned, instead of sulking, ask yourself: “What can I learn from this?” Entrepreneurs are all about problem-solving. Shift your focus from the problem to the lesson. Treat it like opening up a roadblock on a thoroughfare. The more you learn, the stronger you become. Surround Yourself with Positivity Ever heard the saying, “You are who you hang out with”? It rings true for entrepreneurs, too. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not those who bring you down. Friends, mentors, or even fellow business owners can spark a fresh wave of optimism. When you share your struggles with like-minded folks, it provides you with a cheering squad. Positive vibes are contagious—let them fuel your spirit. Set Small, Achievable Goals Large goals look a lot like mountains on the horizon. They can be overwhelming, especially when obstacles appear. Why not break that mountain down into smaller, manageable hills? This way, every small step you take feels like a victory. Celebrate those wins, no matter how tiny they seem. Each small success can boost your confidence and help you stay optimistic about reaching your ultimate goal. Cultivate Gratitude Daily It’s easy to dwell on what’s going wrong, but spotting the good in your day can flip the script. Take a moment to jot down three things you’re grateful for every day. It could be a helpful customer, a supportive friend, or just a sunny day. This simple act can shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance. When you focus on gratitude, optimism naturally follows. Visualize Your Success Picture this: you’re standing on a stage, your business thriving, customers loving your product. How does that feel? Visualization is a powerful tool. Spend a few minutes each day imagining your success. This practice ignites motivation and fuels optimism. When you can see the finish line, it’s easier to stay positive when hurdles appear along the way. Find Inspiration Everywhere Life often has its fair share of ups and downs. Seek stories of other entrepreneurs who have faced adversity and come out shining. These tales can act as fuel for your fire. When you hear how someone turned their setbacks into comebacks, it’s the same as a light bulb flicking on in your brain. It reminds you that challenges don’t define you—they’re merely stepping stones on your path to success. Practice Self-Care Regularly Amid the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to overlook your well-being. Neglecting self-care can drain your energy and optimism. Make time for activities that recharge your spirit—be it exercise, meditation, or reading a good book. Taking care of your body and mind equips you to handle challenges with a clearer perspective. Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at 480-636-1720, or, if you prefer,