Advise Your Expectations for a Reply

If a Sender expects a reply to an e-mail, should it be stated in the e-mail? “Please Respond…..” or “I expect a response…” really isn’t necessary.  Responses are expected and customary.  That is unless the Recipient is intentionally ignoring the Sender.

When someone takes the time to e-mail another, common courtesy dictates that the Recipient respond in a timely basis.  To not respond because the Sender didn’t specifically ask for a response,  is no excuse to not do so and can be perceived as intentionally ignoring the other side.

Now this certainly doesn’t apply to spam, forwarded chain letter e-mails or those e-mail that are from folks you don’t know. Responding promptly, even if to just send a “Thank You” helps build relationships and avoid misunderstandings.

And, what about a general e-mail that has been addressed to a large group for informational purposes?  As far as informative mass e-mails, I would assume a reply is not expected if it is announcement type e-mail.  That is unless it is specifically stated otherwise that the Sender wants to hear from all involved.  For mass e-mails, if you want to solicit replies from everyone you send to, simply include a statement to that effect.

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