Social media is an unavoidable part of professional life. Whether it’s a source of valuable insight or a breeding ground for unwarranted criticism, the opinions expressed online can have an impact. But how much weight should you give to feedback from social media? As an Executive Assistant (EA), you must learn to filter the noise, manage your reactions, and remain focused on your goals.
Balancing Awareness with Focus
Ignoring social media entirely isn’t a practical option, as it provides real-time information and opportunities for professional networking. However, giving too much importance to every comment or critique can be equally detrimental. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by the influx of opinions, an EA must develop the skill of discernment—knowing which feedback is valuable and which should be disregarded.
Expect Opposition and Learn to Manage It
Once you put yourself or your ideas into the public sphere, differing opinions will arise. Some responses will be thoughtful and constructive, while others will be reactionary and baseless. Understanding this reality helps you process criticism rationally rather than emotionally. As Winston Churchill wisely stated, "Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things." Expecting occasional pushback allows you to maintain composure and professionalism.
How to Filter Useful Feedback
Not all criticism is worth your attention. Here’s how to distinguish between constructive insights and unhelpful negativity:
Evaluate the Source: Is the comment coming from a credible professional, a trusted network, or someone with expertise? If so, it might be worth considering. If it’s from an anonymous or inflammatory account, it’s best ignored.
Assess the Intent: Does the feedback offer a perspective that can help refine your approach? Constructive criticism is different from mindless negativity.
Stay Focused on Your Key Audience: Executive Assistants serve a high-level purpose, supporting leadership and ensuring organisational efficiency. If the feedback is not relevant to this mission, it should not dictate your actions.
Keeping Ego in Check While Managing Criticism
As an EA, you may often find yourself in the midst of high-pressure situations where decisions and actions are scrutinised. While it’s natural to feel defensive when faced with criticism, responding emotionally can hinder your professional growth. Instead, take a step back, assess the validity of the comment, and respond (if necessary) with objectivity and professionalism.
Stay True to Your Professional Purpose
At the end of the day, your career success is defined by your commitment to excellence, not by fleeting opinions on social media. Stick to your core values, uphold your professional integrity, and focus on long-term objectives rather than momentary digital chatter. While short-term recognition or financial incentives may be tempting, they should never come at the cost of your principles.
Turning Feedback into a Strength
By detaching emotions from criticism, you gain the ability to extract useful insights while discarding unnecessary distractions. This skill not only strengthens your resilience but also enhances your strategic thinking—both of which are crucial in an EA’s role. When you view feedback through a pragmatic lens, it becomes a tool for refinement rather than a source of distress.
Final Thoughts
Social media will always be a space of mixed opinions. However, by filtering feedback effectively, staying focused on your objectives, and managing your reactions with professionalism, you can navigate this digital landscape with confidence. Executive Assistants play a vital role in organisational success—don’t let online noise divert you from your mission.
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About the Author: Richard Arnott, BA, FInatAM, FIToL, is a Director of BMTG (UK) Ltd, and the author and lead presenter of the groundbreaking, globally recognised Advanced Certificate for the Executive Assistant: ACEA® program. Richard also sits on the editorial board of Lucy Brazier OBE Executive Support Magazine.
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