To email or not to email

So often it is easier for people who are very computer literate and accustomed to talking by keyboard to send an email rather than have a face to face meeting. Especially if the topic under discussion could present some form of conflict, minor or otherwise. Probably the best way to handle a situation like this is just to suck it up and go talk to the other person and you'll discover that it wasn't such a big deal after all. We human beings are very good at imagining the boogy man is much bigger than it is.

But there are those times when an email is a good way to communicate something - to one or a group of people. Many times I have been on the receiving end of emails that just make me shake my head and wonder if the person who wrote it took the time to self-edit before sending. Pretty sure they didn't. Pretty sure I have to constantly remind myself to do this too. Once you get typing BAM you can say a lot of things in a few, often insulting, paragraphs. Might not be your intention but there you have it.

When it comes to emails, no matter to whom or about what, always read it before you hit the send button. Check for spelling and punctuation, sure, because your email represents you. However, what is really important is to read it as if you were the receiver. How would you react to what you are saying? Is there a better way to say something so that it doesn't lose the message but doesn't come across as insulting, blaming, uncaring or belligerent? Do you have to use the words "must" or can you change that to read "should consider". Harsh directives by email get an equally harsh reaction so if you can soften it, try to do so.