Never An Email Fired In Anger

Tell me if this doesn’t sound familiar: someone sent an email, copied to probably half the office, accusing you or your team of some deficiencies. Sometimes the accuser didn’t even get all the facts straight and you were convinced that you immediately saw the flaw in the logic.

You could smell the satisfaction of shooting a reply back to slam it down. You were literally one ENTER key away from seeing justice served.

DON’T DO IT.

Back away. Take a deep breath. Don’t bite.

There is no tactical advantage in reacting fast only to be outmaneuvered. The conversation doesn’t end just because you think it should end. Take the time to consider the situation, consider the different possible ways to see the issue and choose your desired outcome.

Is the present frame of reference the best way to see the situation?

How would you change it?

How do you want your reply to look to the audience now roped into the drama through being copied on the original email?

Should you even reply by email? Remember emails live forever. May be a conversation will do better?

What’s the best way to resolve the issue?

Don’t react and be unwittingly forced to play “the game” by other people’s rules. Do not give-in to the illusion of a quick “win”.

Seize the time and the freedom to deal with the situation in your own terms.

Don’t react. Act.

“In the space between stimulus (what happens) and how we respond, lies our freedom to choose. ” – Stephen R. Covey

See also : 6 Rules Regarding Emails They Didn’t Tell You About

(Photo Credits to Matt Erasmus)

If you like this, please support this Guide by SUBSCRIBING (“Subscribe” button on the top right) and getting notifications of the latest posts by email. Otherwise, you can also connect via Business Life Asia Facebook page or the Google+ page! Thanks!!

About Business Life Asia

Live Life Engaged.