Expectations When Cc:’d

What should you expect from those you Cc: on an e-mail? If you are the one who is Cc:’d on a e-mail what are you required to do?

Cc:’ing is a way of informing others of a communication or information that may in some way need their attention or action. When you Cc: folks, you are F.Y.I.ing them. If you are the one who is Cc:’d, there is no need for a response unless you have something to add or tell the Sender that is important to the topic.

Notice I typed tell the Sender? Being Cc:’d does not mean you hit Reply to All with your reply. You only reply to the Sender who Cc:’d you. Only use Reply to All if your response directly affects the others in the Cc: field and it is necessary that they be aware of your response. Keep in mind Reply to All is the exception — not the rule.

One thing is clear; using the Cc: field as a way to CYA or to make points that are best made in person is not prudent. You’ll end up looking trivial if you do.

This topic just as with most others I discuss here on this site requires your discretion to know what is best to do in any given situation. Take the time to think carefully if those you Cc: really need the information contained within. And when you are the person who is Cc:’d be sure that the others in the Cc: field really need to be aware of your response before hitting Reply to All.

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