I kind of feel like a representative of the “Dark Side” when I say that sometimes people can “feel our anger” in the words we write.

And if by chance you feel that the word “anger” is a tad strong, would you at least agree that people can tell when we might have the proverbial bug lodged firmly in regions I dare not mention on this blog?

With more and more of our communication becoming written, I see it all over the place.

For example:

I see it on Twitter and Facebook where people will think its stylish to continually complain.

In fact, I know a very talented consultant that tweets tips that project an image of someone who might kick your ass should you choose not to take them. I’ve wanted to suggest therapy on several occasions but that would violate my “don’t screw with angry consultants” rule.

I see it in Linkedin discussions where you could just cut the freakin tone with a knife.

Don’t even get me started with bloggers.

At what point did it become acceptable for some (note the word “some”) bloggers to continually write in complaint mode?

I feel like we’ve all gotten an over doss of Andy Rooney’s “Did you ever wonder” rants.

Painfully obvious “Did you know” from Paul in 3,2,1 . . .

How we act is one of the 6 Judgments that our personal brand is subject to 24/7.

How we continually act becomes the behavior we become associated with.

Translation: What you continually do becomes synonymous with “YOU”

Continually act positive and enthusiastic . . . that’s how people see you.

Continually have “tone” . . . People avoid you!

With that in mind, here are a few quick tips.

1)    Go back and look at some of your messaging and hunt for “tone”. Note: Don’t wuss out on me and just go through emails. Go take a look at your blog, discussions on Linkedin, Twitter. Ask yourself “Is this synonymous with my personal brand”

2)    Get off of written communication the minute it becomes heated. Consider a phone call, face to face or even just walking away.

And a final thought to chew on.

Would you attempt to drive if you had too much to drink?

I would venture to say you wouldn’t.

Perhaps we should give our reputations the same degree of respect.

Friends don’t let friends get behind keyboards when they have “tone”

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