Instant Messaging Office Etiquette: The Proper Use of Office IM's

From the earlier times of Gossip around the Water Cooler to todays Digital Version of the Grapevine, we have become experts at putting our "Foot in the Mouth". Where before the time of Computers you still had time for some minor damage control should you have unwittingly said the wrong thing to the wrong person, now you no longer have that Privilege? With a simple push of a button you can make or break your career in the cooperate World. Following are some common sense rules to keep in mind when using your Office IM's. They are designed to help you avoid complications, assure that you will "climb the Ladder" of success in your Office and not take a plumed of those slippery steps.

It is advisable to pass that important assignment or job opening inside the Company along with speed and precise information. Make sure that every person entitled to the Information receives the important Memo in a timely Manner. Don't add anything that would detract from the message to be passed along.

When receiving an IM with today's newest tidbit on the Grapevine, don't be a Gossip. Stop the rumor about your Co-workers private life or religious/sexual preferences, your opinion of the Bosses or any Co-workers "hot wife/husband, lover etc" in its tracks. Such verbalizations of thoughts is highly inappropriate for one and can get your slapped with a lawsuit faster then you can whistle Dixie if it falls in the wrong hands. You wouldn't like someone else doing this to you. Do the right thing and hit delete without forwarding it to the next person.

Read and safe important IM's carefully. If it has to do with the smooth running of the Office, a Policy that has been altered or a meeting which has been scheduled, always save your copy of the IM to a folder on your computer. You never know when such a Proof may be needed later, in case of convenient amnesia in the Executives.