Email Etiquette Includes Reading

Every single day, I communicate with those who don’t take the time to read. I use email all day, every day. But, apparently, reading my emails or what I provide on my websites is not a thing.

What don’t they read?

• Information Provided on Websites
• FAQ pages
• Contact Pages
• Terms & Conditions.
• Emails
• Provided Documents

Using this website as an example, let’s look at my Email Etiquette Quiz. I am clear about how it works. I take the time to detail step by step what quiz takers should consider before taking the quiz.

See, I don’t make it easy. If you want a perfect score, you have to earn it.

That requires that you read this site and make a modicum of effort to be informed on the basics of Email Etiquette, including instructions that, if you think about it, are part of the test. You can’t be good at Email Etiquette and not be into details and instructions.

And you don’t get unlimited tries to get a perfect score eventually. You only get two attempts. I’m clear about that as well.

What happens? I’m stunned at how many quiz takers don’t read that page. They don’t review the site material to have the best chance to do well. As a result, many do not get a perfect score in two attempts.

The Lure of a Congratdulatory Certificate

I thought that offering a customized certificate to those with a perfect score that they could print and display with pride would motivate them to study up. Step by step instructions on what is required. It isn’t rocket science, folks.

Boy, was I wrong.

My inbox is filled with requests for certificates from those who flunked. In addition, I get as many emails from those who don’t take a screenshot of their score for their teacher (I have a note in red letters when to do so) asking me to provide their score for them.

I don’t cater to those who don’t read. Why? Because that’s not how you learn.

Take the Time to Read

Whether taking my quiz or reading materials I provide to those who ask for coaching or responses to my requests, not reading available materials is epidemic. Yet, all too often, I am expected to compensate for that.

Just this week, I had to contact several service providers. They didn’t read my inquiry. Instead, they replied with general templates instead of my specifics because it was clear they didn’t read my email to respond point-by-point.

Whether you are an individual, a customer service agent, or just contacting a website for guidance, you need to read what is made available to you before you proceed. That’s how you learn and can be an informed communicator.

It is not the other side’s responsibility to spoon-feed what you don’t want to read. Nor should a business of any size expect customers to send clarifying emails because they didn’t bother to read the first.

Read and Succeed

Success goes to those who are into the details. Those who read instructions and follow them to a “T.” Those who don’t expect anyone else to compensate for their laziness.

How badly do you want to succeed? Your efforts will let others know exactly how much.