For whatever reason, today I was thinking about Mission: Impossible and the oft-quoted “this message will self-destruct” line.
How does this relate to communications (you are probably asking yourself)?
Well, some email messages are so destructive in written form that they might as well be explosive. They truly require a face-to-face conversation or phone call.
Imagine what some of these “incendiary” email subject lines might look like:
Sorry, we found someone muuuuuuchhh better than you to fill this position
When it comes to employment decisions, it’s simply common courtesy to pick up the phone. This ensures that future bridges are not burned.
I talked to the team and we all agree: you need to lay off the Axe body spray
Sensitive/personal issues require careful wording and just a dash of empathy. This can’t be achieved in an email.
Hi, I’m your new boss. Your current boss is re-locating to the Bermuda Triangle.
When dealing with organizational change, especially on an individual level, grab a coffee and make it easy on yourself.
Heard your dog/iguana/parakeet passed away. Bummer.
This may the one exception to the destructive email rule, but if you decide to go this route, choose your words with caution.
By the way, the company is totally bankrupt. So, I guess this means you have an extended vacation.
Financial difficulties and resulting personnel changes must be communicated clearly and with care.
So, before you hit the send button on a particularly sensitive email, take a moment to consider how the receiver might take the news.
How does this relate to communications (you are probably asking yourself)?
Well, some email messages are so destructive in written form that they might as well be explosive. They truly require a face-to-face conversation or phone call.
Imagine what some of these “incendiary” email subject lines might look like:
Sorry, we found someone muuuuuuchhh better than you to fill this position
When it comes to employment decisions, it’s simply common courtesy to pick up the phone. This ensures that future bridges are not burned.
I talked to the team and we all agree: you need to lay off the Axe body spray
Sensitive/personal issues require careful wording and just a dash of empathy. This can’t be achieved in an email.
Hi, I’m your new boss. Your current boss is re-locating to the Bermuda Triangle.
When dealing with organizational change, especially on an individual level, grab a coffee and make it easy on yourself.
Heard your dog/iguana/parakeet passed away. Bummer.
This may the one exception to the destructive email rule, but if you decide to go this route, choose your words with caution.
By the way, the company is totally bankrupt. So, I guess this means you have an extended vacation.
Financial difficulties and resulting personnel changes must be communicated clearly and with care.
So, before you hit the send button on a particularly sensitive email, take a moment to consider how the receiver might take the news.
