Soft Skills Mini Tip: Beware of the Open Mic Syndrome
Rarely a day goes by without an elected official or celebrity being caught saying something inappropriate when he/she thought the microphone was turned off.
But this can happen to people who are not famous too.
A few years ago, I listened to a teleseminar and as I was about to hang up, I heard two women make negative comments about the program we just heard. I was startled to hear them talking that way and wondered if the presenter was still on the line too.
It was clear these two women thought they were alone, but I’m uncertain why they felt that was the case. This was not a muted teleseminar and anyone could ask questions during the program. Even though it was over two years ago, I still remember this experience vividly, and it was similar to being caught with the microphone on.
My advice to these women and anyone else tempted to make negative remarks:
Don’t have a personal conversation and start complaining when you don’t know who else could be on the line, or in range to hear such comments. Instead, make certain you are alone and only have such a conversation with trusted colleagues or friends.
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