Skip to main content

Power of Perception in Email

Happy May! This past month, I had the pleasure of talking to a group of executives about the power of perception. Perception is reality but it is not always the truth. One of the examples I use is an email exchange between people. Have you ever invited someone for an interview or sent an e-mail and received a response of "k thx," and though, "No thank you!" Have you ever read an email and reacted in this way:


This month I simply want to remind you not to rush to judgement. Ask yourself if you  have the full story. Ask yourself if perhaps your current emotional state may be contributing to your reaction. Too often we react without having gotten the bigger picture. Perhaps a clarifying contact, or even some time to reflect, will clear up confusion.

Here are some reminders to help ensure that e-mails that you sent are received and perceived properly:


  • Make sure the subject line reflects the content of the email. If your email takes the conversation in a different direction, then clarify how and why. 
  • Only CC people who have the full story. Do not incorporate people into the conversation unless they belong and unless they have been updated on the conversation. 
  • Include all relevant material. If you need to reference another email or thread, then include it; do not leave the recipient to having to search for it. 
  • Remember that communication is not a "one size fits all." Be sure to tailor each e-mail to the person and context. 
  • Set expectations for the response you desire. If you wish to hear in a certain way or by a certain time, then inform the recipient.
Email is a powerful, yet potentially dangerous, communication tool. With proper care given to the sending and receiving of e-mails, most pitfalls can be avoided, and email can become a useful means of communication. Of course, do not forget that other means of communication exist, too. 

Location: Tulsa, OK, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Coaching

Happy June!  Summer, here we come!  This month I want to discuss coaching .  I have talked before about utilizing a coach.  Now, I want to talk about being a coach.  I have been blessed with three different coaches across my nine-plus years with ProRecruiters.  They have challenged me to grow by evaluating what I’ve done and what I’m doing in order to determine what I will do going forward. Unfortunately, I do not always serve as a coach to my own team. Creating an environment in which you function as coach to your team benefits everyone. It helps you to see what’s working, what’s not, and potential areas of growth. It allows team members to discover their potential by being challenged to excel. It reveals potential problems while they are still “potential” problems.  And the cherry on top: it builds camaraderie throughout the team. As I have researched coaching, I’ve learned several foundational principles that must be in play if you want to cr...
Post a Comment
Read more

History of the Christmas Tree

Wow, it is hard to believe that Christmas is upon us and the new year is right around the corner! All the decorations and Christmas trees are up and in full swing, but have you ever wondered where some of the traditions come from? Why do Americans and other countries decorate their houses? Why do they buy gifts and eat a feast? What about the Christmas tree, where did this tradition come from? The article below gives you 8 fun facts on the history of the Christmas tree and why it has become a tradition: "8 Fun Facts About the History of Christmas Trees Now that the holiday season is in full swing those who celebrate Christmas (and other December holidays) are trimming their trees and homes with festive decorations. But, have you ever wondered where the  Christmas tree tradition  comes from? Here are a few fun facts about the history of the Christmas tree tradition: No. 1:  Long before Christianity, evergreen plants and trees had a special meaning for people in th...
Post a Comment
Read more
May the Force be With You!   We all know of the iconic Star Wars line "May the Force be With You."   H ow many times on May 4 th did we hear May the 4 th be with you ?   Star Wars is a cinematic treasure that has impacted millions of people for many years, and will for years to come. So what did it take to make such a deep and lasting impact? And what can be learned from this movie to assist us in making our own positive impact on others in our daily lives in this 9-5 grind? 1   1. Bring in your magic!                   Movies offer an escape from reality and a glimpse at the magic we once believed in as a child. We are unique beings with different skillsets, gifts, diverse backgrounds, and come with a unique set of experiences that make us different from others. Get to know your own “magic” and this will bring out the magic in others. Encourage dialogue. Promote uniqueness, offer a safe space for di...
Post a Comment
Read more