Discretion and Email Communications
I have been asked for my recommendations about email etiquette for years now. Recently, I have been working on how to get people to pay attention to their email etiquette and writing skills. For example:
How can the average user know what the right thing to do is when it comes to their email habits?
I inevitably end up saying pretty much the same thing. The proper use of technology, and email specifically, is at each individual’s discretion. Only you can determine what is suitable or appropriate in any given circumstance.
The key here is choice and discretion. One’s use of discretion can speak volumes about one’s priorities.
For example, relationship dynamics and whether the email is personal or for commercial gain can determine how and why you do or don’t do certain things. This requires thought, consideration, and again, discretion.
To confirm, what we are talking about here is beyond the basics of proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation, which are a no-brainer. Formality, tone, and how to express yourself accurately via the written word are just as necessary.
As far as writing skills, every one of us should work on them continually. Why wouldn’t anyone want to be a better communicator? Not just for personal communications, but also to enhance your career trajectory.
Email is here to stay. It behooves every person who uses email and online technology to hone their skills. This strategy helps to build relationships and enhance your chances of success.
The definition of discretion is:
~noun
- the power or right to decide or act according to one’s own judgment; freedom of judgment or choice: It is entirely within my discretion whether I will go or stay.
- the quality of being discreet, esp. with reference to one’s own actions or speech; prudence or decorum: Throwing all discretion to the winds, he blurted out the truth.
Do Not Underestimate the Power of the Written Word
The online environment has been with us for over two decades, yet very few participants have any formal training in proper use and practices. We’ve all had to learn as we go, with too many thinking that anything goes.
But even after all that time, some still think emails are always an informal tool to use without thought or discretion. You also see this “anything goes” attitude on social media. People are typing what they want to say right now, with no regard for those they are responding to or for civility.
Emails sent to me through my various websites prove that. Some emailed me, reflecting visceral anger over the content on this site. Who takes the time to scold an email etiquette website?
When this happens, I know they have bigger “issues” than disagreeing with my minor commentary on email etiquette. To be upset over someone writing about communicating with “knowledge, understanding, and courtesy” says more about them than it does about me.
Read, Learn, and Grow
When using email, make an effort to consider the people you are communicating with enough to be courteous at all times, and you’ll never go wrong. You want to ensure your tone, intent, and meaning are appropriate for the message at hand.
That’s where discretion comes in. You have to choose to make these efforts—to use your discretion. When you don’t make that effort, misunderstandings can arise and negative perceptions form.
The thing is, this site can’t teach discretion. No one can force online users to use discretion. You have to be willing to take the time and make an effort beyond what you’re willing to do right now.
With all the information on my email etiquette websites, I hope that most will discover they prefer to understand technology and will make an effort to use email and technology properly, with knowledge, understanding, and courtesy. (And don’t forget about discretion.)
