The Deteriorating Art of Email

The Pony Express, Morse Code, 2-Way Radios, FedEx, Certified Mail, Email, Facebook, Twitter. The speed at which communication changes is increasing - and will continue to - and so goes the question everyone (especially old people) asks: "Is it for the better?".

Email can be a great tool, but it is not always the best form of communication. Confrontation by way of email never works; explaining a new process to someone via email is a bad idea; discussing sensitive information by email is risky. Email is great for quick, on-demand communication, but it is not THE communication platform to rely on. So as MMs, we're left with the task of determining when we should email and when we should actually pick up the phone and call someone, or even meet in person.

Then there is the challenge of actually managing emails. All emails should be responded to in some form or fashion - whether by email or a phone call. But an email should never be ignored.*
*Speaking of email management, I have to mention that Blackberry users can be some of the worst when it comes to response rate. It is hit or miss...people either get an email via Blackberry and respond immediately or not at all. It can be a totally unreliable way of keeping up with emails. It keeps you, the user, informed - but does not reciprocate back to the sender. Blackberry users - beware of this bad habit.

And last, there's the issue of tone. Emails can leave much to be translated on the part of the recipient - so if you are not absolutely clear, you may unintentionally cause someone to read between the lines. A great way to avoid the unintentional email miscommunication is to read through your email at least twice before you send it. How positive does it sound? Does it do more than just communicate facts...does it communicate the right tone, style, and personality?

Email is not Morse Code...there is more of an art to it than "send message A to person B", and it requires more than a quick type and send.

Don't be lazy with email...manage it, leverage it, and pick up the phone every now and then.