Office Chatter: #NoFilter For Anywhere But The Office

There are conversations meant for the office—and others that most definitely are not. Filter your office chatter to save professional face. Plus: Passion is often key when considering a new hire, but are you missing the forest for the trees?

The office is not always the best place to air your personal laundry. We’ve all been there—whether discussing the intimate details of our private lives, or merely overhearing the taboo banter. Always consider: Would you want your boss in on the conversation?

That, and more, in today’s Social Media Roundup:

Silence Really Is Golden

When you speak, do people think ‘#nofilter  (opens in a new tab)‘? Don’t be THAT person http://t.co/Wv88pQnM0K  (opens in a new tab) #assnchat  (opens in a new tab)

— MultiView (@MultiView) January 17, 2014  (opens in a new tab)

A bubbie with no filter might be charming—like, say, Sophia on The Golden Girls. But the employee in the office yapping about her wild weekend? Well, not so much. “Whether it be overhearing an odd telephone conversation in the ladies room between what you hope is someone and their ex, or an exchange between comrades in the break room about a coworker’s outfit, we’ve all been there,” writes Multiview’s Brie Ragland  (opens in a new tab). Keeping in mind the comments you make in given situations is essential when maintaining your professional demeanor. And, as Ragland reminds, there’s a time and place for conversation—as well as real value in thinking before speaking. (ht @MultiView  (opens in a new tab))

Peg the Passion

RT @johnsumser  (opens in a new tab) Parsing Passion in the Interview http://t.co/CUl6XicWZU  (opens in a new tab) #astd  (opens in a new tab) #shrm  (opens in a new tab) #asae  (opens in a new tab)

— ceVoke (@ceVoke) January 17, 2014  (opens in a new tab)

Passion is swell (really), but be careful from using it as a main criteria when scouting out potential employees. “Hiring for enthusiasm is selecting style over substance,” HR Examiner’s Bob Corlett notes  (opens in a new tab). If passion is what you’re looking for, then absolutely, enthusiasm is key—enthusiasm that translates to tangible results, that is. “Grit and charisma are not mutually exclusive—some people are both determined and charming. But your charisma is much easier to identify in an interview. To hire grit, you must recognize that your ideal candidate might be a misfit toy. … They may not invest much attention in their charm, but once you get them talking about projects and metrics and obstacles overcome and you will see them light up,” Corlett writes. Note the ideas an individual offers, his proven work ethic, his persistence, and his determination. Passion isn’t always obvious, but then again, hiring isn’t a quick decision. Take your time, push deeper than the evident charm, and uncover just why the candidate would be a suitable fit for your association. (ht @ceVoke  (opens in a new tab))

What criteria do you look for in potential hires? Tell us in the comments.

(Wavebreak Media/Thinkstock)