Quick Tip = Use Discretion in Your Emails

I have received several emails requesting my advice and assistance on how to avoid email misunderstandings. That’s an easy one — use more discretion.

While Email Etiquette is a list of suggested guidelines, that when applied, can help you do just that. Email Etiquette makes your email communications more effective and enjoyable.

But only if you actively implement those guidelines. Which includes using your discretion.

Discretion requires thinking things out — before reacting. Something that appears to be difficult for some.

With 30 years of online experience and a history of emailing more than most, it is clear, just as in the offline world, that you cannot control others’ behavior. If they don’t use discretion that’s on them. But you do not need to behave in kind.

All we can control is our behavior and what we do or do not do. That’s discretion in a nutshell.

What is the definition of discretion?

Freedom to act or judge on one’s own.
Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress.
Refined taste; tact.
The power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies.
The trait of judging wisely and objectively.

Discretionary Fails

Consequently, based on the above, it is clear how much discretion can be applied to your day-to-day email communications. Just a few examples of not using discretion properly:

Forwarding a private email from somone who trusts you to others without their knowledge.
Forwarding “warm and fuzzy” emails that state to “Send to Everyone You Know” with email addresses exposed in the To: field.
Sending large attachments without the courtesy of asking first.
Sending emotional emails filled with caps and bolded red words.
Not reflecting any courtesy or humanity in communications by just demanding what you want.

How to Use Your Discretion

When it comes to discretion, I believe that those who fail to use their discretionary powers sadly may reap negative consequences. That’s on them and out of your control.

So, what can you do to use your power of discretion more effectively?

Read the email you are responding to out loud to make sure you are interpreting the sender’s intent and tone correctly.
When upset, read your response out loud before clicking send.
Refrain from formatting to relay emotion. Instead, choose your words wisely.

We could all probably use a little more discretion in our lives. Applying it to email is a great way to avoid misunderstandings and build on relationships. Using discretion in your email communications is important to not being misunderstood and being viewed as a courteous communicator.