A Little Courtesy Goes a Long Way

I was wacked with the cold of the century recently. It was one of the few times since I started my Technology Consulting business over 10 years ago that I did not at the very least check email on Saturday.

I didn’t go near my computer on that Saturday or Sunday, the reason being just to have to think seemed too much of a challenge - this cold kicked me in the butt! So, I spent the weekend on the couch with my new best friend — a box of tissues.

The reason I make a point of at least checking email on Saturdays is to keep my inbox clear and to address any emergencies (perceived or otherwise) that may have come up. Not doing so this past Saturday left me with over 1,500 e-mails to wade through on Monday morning.

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How Important are Email Sign-Offs?

Very! Those you communicate with will be looking at your email in its entirety to determine your overall tone. For example, if you send a rude email and sign-off with “Have a nice day!” then it is clear that you intended to be sarcastic and the recipient will learn a bit about the type of person you are. If you need someone’s help and you sign-off “Thank you in advance for all your help!” your chances of getting the help you desire are better than if you left that little sentence off.

Your sign-off can confirm, instill and portray the overall demeanor behind your email. To be efficient and save time, I have my sign offs included in the automatic signature file appended to the end of my emails.

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Stay Away from Sarcasm in Email

Sarcasm should be avoided in email because you leave the level of sarcasm to be implied by the recipient. That’s risky at best! Being sarcasm is rarely a positive thing, unless you are a skilled and experienced communicator it is best left out of your emails…

sar·casm n.

1. A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
2. A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.

If you are not careful, that sarcasm can be amplified by a power of 10! See, based on the situation and the emotions involved, the recipient may very well read into your sarcasm meaning that you did not intend or much more than you intended.

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Tardy with Your Email Responses?

Are you tardy in your responses to incoming personal email? Do you respond to some right away and others later — if at all? If you answered yes to that last question, then you’ve confirmed what those on the other side assume. Some folks have your attention and priority more than others.

With personal email, lack of or very delayed responses could appear that you are ignoring the Sender. Part of Email Etiquette is in fact responding promptly. We all prioritize, but with email, understand that there is an expectation of a speedy reply and how long you take to respond is something that the other side will use to interpret where they fit in your schedule.

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