The popularity of social media makes it even easier for us to focus on individuals and organizations that are most similar or familiar. While being surrounded by reinforcing ideas can be comforting and entertaining on a personal level, it may not be the best approach for your professional self.
Some arguments for diversifying your news and information sources:
- All of us have to work with people who have different ideologies, goals, cultures, etc. A shared source of news and information can give you shared references that can help facilitate good communications. For example, being able to talk about a recent event or idea can help “break the ice” with new colleagues.
- The world happens beyond our social groups. It can be invigorating to hear about and from different people all over the world.
- Having a variety of information sources can help you be an innovator. Sometimes innovation is about creating a new idea. Sometimes innovation is about transferring a current practice from one field to another. Branching out can expand your exposure to ideas, concepts and inspiration.
- Right, wrong or indifferent, there is an expectation that a professional person has some knowledge of “mainstream” current events, cultural references or themes (however you define mainstream). One way to meet this expectation (if you decide to) is to find key sources of information in your professional setting and follow them.
- NOTE: The previous point does not mean that other sources of information, representing a wider range of experiences and views, are less valuable! I am recommending that you to step beyond your current information gathering practices or comfort zone., whether that steps you towards a mainstream…or away from it.
- Reading or listening to views that are not your own is a great way to test analytical skills and personal positions. It is much easier to follow an argument when you agree with it. Try listening to an entirely different perspective and note whether you agree or disagree and why. Then, practice how you would counter different rhetoric, arguments or information…in a courteous and respectful way.
- A TV ditty from my younger days: Don’t knock it ‘till you try it / Put a little on your plate / Don’t make a face until you taste it / Some kids think its great!
Some “mainstream” news and other information sources you can follow via social media (noting an emphasis on policy and politics):
- A campus newspaper
- National Public Radio or local public radio shows
- CNN and/or a local cable equivalent
- The Associated Press or Reuters new services
- The Washington Times (noted for a more conservative ideological bent) or The Washington Post (noted for a more liberal ideological bent)
- ABC, NBC, CBS or Fox News
- BBC News or another international source
- The New York Times
- The Wall Street Journal or Fortune (with a business focus)
- The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, etc. (with a focus on culture)
- ESPN or local sports shows
- CQ Roll Call (with a focus on Congress and legislation)
- A conservative or liberal talk show
- Major newsletters or magazines in your career or job area
A News Management Tip (not necessarily for everyone)
One way to manage these additional professional sources is to create your own professional social media ID. With a professional ID (e.g., a FB page attached to your profile or an additional Twitter account), you can manage those streams separately…and put your best professional self forward in a public way.
Please share your favorite or most informative news sources.
