During my morning web browsing/procrastination session, I stumbled across an Ad Age article that talked about the “Community Manager” positions that are popping up at many large companies and startups – especially in the tech world. They were discussing what exactly a community manager is/does (marketing) and why its become so popular with many companies.
I don’t really like the term “community manager” because I think its so vague, and in reality, a community manager really isn’t any different from a PR rep. They do the same things, like make sure that everyone in said community is happy and pleased with the products and customer service of the aforementioned company and try to curb bad PR into a cheery, bright situation. Essentially, spin.
But it was one commenter’s comment that irked me before I had time to calm my soul with a shot of caffeine. She basically started listing the requirements that a guest blogger had come up with (and that she clearly agreed with) for a community manager role in the healthcare industry. The requirements went something like this:
- They have to listen actively and compassionately
- They have to communicate effectively
- Make meaningful connections
- Be genuine
For fuck’s sake, people, can we wean ourselves off the buzz words, please? Is this a requirement for a job or a relationship? Who, in any type of job, wouldn’t benefit from listening actively and compassionately? Conversely, who wouldn’t benefit from being an effective communicator? These, in part, are some of the reasons why I can’t stomach going back into an actual office. It’s like spending eight hours a day in a self help seminar.
Let’s talk about ACTUAL job descriptions:
- You will write blog posts
- You will link to other people within your industry who you can possibly steal visitors from
- You will update Facebook and Twitter profiles
- You will attend and/or possibly throw networking events for technophiles and social media-philes
Whew. I don’t know about you, but the brash reality is like a cool breeze whipping through the muggy shitness of the NYC subway stations in the middle of July. Middle managers, executives and Tracy Flick types, let’s cut the bullshit and call a spade, a spade. “Communicating effectively” and “actively listening” aren’t requirements for a job, they’re requirements for living in a society with other people.
Lorn. Out.
