Business Email Communication
When it is appropriate to communicate by email and when it is not a good idea
Do you find yourself using email most of the time when communicating with your team? Emails are great under some circumstances but not all. Read on to find out more…
Exchanging emails has replaced phone and in person conversations. Emails have their advantages for sure - they are fast, they can be sent 24/7 without disturbing anyone, they create an information trail and they can help distribute documents, graphics, mp3 files and so on.
Emails are not always an appropriate way to communicate. Here are 3 instances when email is not the recommended communication tool.
1. Do not use email to communicate information that is top secret.
When it is so easy for someone to forward and/or blind copying another person on your email, it is unwise to convey information that would be considered competitive intelligence.
2. Do not use email to terminate and employee.
Yes, scary but true, some employers resort to a pink email - as opposed to a pink slip! If you can't find the time, energy and respect for the person, then it says more about your leadership that it does about their reason for termination. Common courtesy means using common sense and commonly held ethical beliefs to guide your actions.
3. Do not use email when conveying performance criticisms.
Emotionally sensitive information should not be conveyed via email. Body language, tone of voice, etc. can not be interpreted and you risk that a misunderstanding can happen due to the coldness of an email. Performance conversations should happen in person whenever possible.
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If you liked this blog entry, try Communication and Teamwork
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