As we enter a new year, I want to share my recomendations for a successfull and mentally strong 2024. This blog is particularly dear to me as I focus on one of my favourite topics: Effective Communication.

As digitaization takes control of our lives, I will teach you a few tactics that will not only free up a lot of time, but also make you a more trustworthy and impactful leader.

This information below is an abstract from one of the chapters of my upcoming book titled, A Game of Confidence, and focuses on what we should not do with our text messages.

Sharing text messages via screenshot may seem innocuous, but beneath the surface, it can have profound implications on communication integrity and personal trustworthiness. As we delve into the reasons behind refraining from this practice, it becomes evident that treating digital communication with respect and confidentiality is paramount particularly in an overly digitized life and marketplace. In my upcoming book I argue that a text message should be guarded with the same intamacy and integreity we used when we received a letter from our grandmother or our dear one twenty years ago.

1. Breach of Communication Integrity: When you share a text message via screenshot, you inadvertently breach the fundamental code of communication integrity. Text messages are often private exchanges, and sharing them without explicit consent violates the trust placed in digital conversations. This breach extends beyond the immediate parties involved and can have repercussions on broader relationships, both personal and professional.

Effective communication relies on a foundation of trust, and the moment text messages are disseminated without permission, that foundation looses strenght. Your trustaed interlocutors could become guarded in their communications when they learn that you share screenshots of your communication, suspecting that their words might be captured and shared outside the intended context. This breakdown in trust can affect the trust yuo have been building over a long period of time

2. Diminished Trustworthiness: Sharing text messages via screenshot can also tarnish the trustworthiness of the person who engages in this practice. It raises questions about their respect for privacy and ethical considerations. Others may view such actions as a breach of confidence, and the repercussions can extend far beyond the immediate sharing of a message. In professional settings, trust is a currency that facilitates collaboration and effective teamwork. Colleagues, clients, or business partners may question the reliability of someone who routinely shares text messages without discretion or previous consent. This erosion of trust can impact career opportunities, partnerships, and overall professional credibility.

It is crucial to recognize that digital communication, including text messages, should be treated with the same level of respect and confidentiality as traditional forms of written communication. Just because the medium is digital does not negate the expectation of privacy. In my book I aruge that to be on the safe side, you should never share a text message that you receive, as keeping information private is a skill that contributes to maintaining healthy relationships, both online and offline.

Final Thought: Legal Implications and Future Consequences: Beyond the interpersonal and professional considerations, there are legal implications to sharing text messages via screenshot. In many jurisdictions, the unauthorized sharing of private messages may infringe upon privacy laws (California). Individuals should be mindful that any information shared electronically might be subject to legal scrutiny, and what seems harmless today could be used against them in the future.

In the age of digital communication, where information is easily disseminated and preserved, it is crucial to be cautious and discreet. Understand that any information shared electronically has the potential to become permanent, and the consequences of sharing without due consideration can be far-reaching even in 10 years down the line.

In conclusion, refraining from sharing text messages via screenshot is not merely about respecting the privacy of others; it is about upholding communication integrity, reserving trustworthiness, and acknowledging the potential legal ramifications. Treating digital communication with the same level of confidentiality as any other form of conversation contributes to fostering a personal brand of credibility, discretion and authority. In this age of noise and overcommunication, talk less and do more, and protect information you receive at all cost as this is one of the most valuable asset we have.