Are you using Twitter and Facebook productively, or are you just goofing around?

There is no right or wrong answer – you can use these technologies in any way you choose. That’s kind of the point. So go ahead: waste time.

But that’s only okay if it’s your time. If it’s your boss’s, or your colleague’s, or mine, then we have a problem. And if we have a problem, we need a solution. And fast.

So ask yourself some questions: how can I use Twitter more productively at work? Can I use Twitter more productively at work? What does ‘productive’ even mean? And if I figure all of this out, will my boss be okay with it?

These are problems only you can answer. But let me leave you with this: if you’re minimising or hiding away your social networking activity each and every time your boss gets even a little bit close to your screen, you’re already in trouble. Despite appearances, he or she is not as stupid as they seem. In all likelihood, they’ve already noticed, and it’s only a matter of time before you’re called out. So quit the nonchalance, and do the work.

Or you can just shrug your shoulders and carry on goofing around. Hey, it’s worked for you so far. And after all, they’re only the people who sign off on your paychecks.