The Precarious Nature of the Workplace Email

               Workplace emails are a precarious thing. How many times have you sent an innocent email only to have it received negatively? It happens to all of us.



               There is no presented feeling to an email, no way to gauge it's intent. Humor in email almost always goes misunderstood, and negativity in email is always multiplied to the reader. What may seem completely innocuous to one may be the exact opposite to others.


Also, should the email be viewed negatively, you have a hard copy basis that exists and may be used against you in the future to say something about you that may truly, not be the case. That can have lasting effects on your relationships with  your colleagues. You never know what someone will remember about you, and that perceived negative email could haunt you for years to come.

             
               Unless it's to send attachments, or simple messages, I would suggest communicating directly. This says a lot about yourself and leaves almost nothing to chance.

• You present that you actually have the knowledge for what you speak. You have to stand in front of the person and this further solidifies that notion with people.

• You are direct and aren't afraid to speak your mind. People respect a person that is unafraid to speak about what he knows in front of them.

• The human interaction is great. It demonstrates that you are open to discussions and aren't "hiding" behind non descript emails.

• Visibility. Being visible at your property is a good thing. You are hands on. Your presence is felt and folks know; to deal with you, they have to converse with you directly. This helps your colleagues get to know you and what you are about. Conversations even about disagreeing principals become much easier between the colleagues and yourself, because you are open and present.

               Below is an interesting article on religious tags and quotes as a signature on your outgoing emails. I personally believe there is no place for that kind of statement in the workplace. You run the risk of alienating your clients and work colleagues and that can cost you in the end. Also, you run the risk of implying that your business or property has a certain religious affiliation or opinion on such matters and without a disclaimer, this possibility may cost you present and future business as well as your job.


               Lasting impressions are important, and some may take a simple comment much further than you may actually feel about it.



Religious Email Signatures in the Workplace.