The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.

Is it okay to be critical of your current company?

by tdhurst · 8 comments

In an age where everything is public, we now have the ability to make our thoughts known to everyone. Publish a picture, write a blog or tweet something negative, rest assured everyone will read it.

As part of an interview, I was asked if I thought it was okay to be critical of my current company here on the internet. My answer?

Yes.

But only to a point.

It’s important not to complain, whine or simply bitch. It’s also imperative you don’t share any company secrets or publish information meant for your eyes only.

That being said, honesty is key here. Be critical. Offer solutions. Back up your points. Stick with what you know.

Ideas, questions, comments, criticism?

tyler@tylerhurst.com
twitter.com/tdhurst
  • Arizona Newspapers Association

    I agree. I would keep confidential informations confidential. And perhaps I wouldn’t identify people by name. But I think it’s okay to blog about them. You blog what you know, right?

  • Arizona Newspapers Association

    I agree. I would keep confidential informations confidential. And perhaps I wouldn’t identify people by name. But I think it’s okay to blog about them. You blog what you know, right?

  • Steve Belt

    Being critical of your employer in public had better serve a purpose. And equally important, it better not be the first time that the criticism has been raised. An ignored criticism is potentially a valid thing to bring public, but only if bringing it public can serve to make a difference. Otherwise you are just ranting.

    We see this often with professional athletes that use the media to express displeasure, before they’ve ever talked with the team. It often creates angst as much against the player as it does the team.

    And for some companies, being public about something (anything) can be a HUGE no-no, particularly companies in which their image or reputation is their brand. For a company like that, being public with criticism, however valid, is a sure fire way to get the axe.

  • Steve Belt

    Being critical of your employer in public had better serve a purpose. And equally important, it better not be the first time that the criticism has been raised. An ignored criticism is potentially a valid thing to bring public, but only if bringing it public can serve to make a difference. Otherwise you are just ranting.We see this often with professional athletes that use the media to express displeasure, before they’ve ever talked with the team. It often creates angst as much against the player as it does the team.And for some companies, being public about something (anything) can be a HUGE no-no, particularly companies in which their image or reputation is their brand. For a company like that, being public with criticism, however valid, is a sure fire way to get the axe.

  • Bryan

    You are an idiot.

  • Bryan

    You are an idiot.

  • Taylor

    Yes. It’s so very important to be honest, so if that means being critical of your company then so be it. But I agree, it is EQUALLY important to then back up that criticism with suggestions and positive feedback. Otherwise your just a downer, not bringing anything constructive to the table!

  • Taylor

    Yes. It’s so very important to be honest, so if that means being critical of your company then so be it. But I agree, it is EQUALLY important to then back up that criticism with suggestions and positive feedback. Otherwise your just a downer, not bringing anything constructive to the table!

Previous post:

Next post: