Today, we live in a world where business, degrees and even entire relationships are conducted behind a screen. As a result, employee frustration and miscommunication is at an all-time high, with tone alone being misinterpreted almost half of the time in email, leading to endless wasted hours and heightened anxiety.
For better or worse, digital communication, whether it's through email or direct messages>The right way to express what you mean
So how should we frame our own "Just following up on this" without engaging in any passive aggressiveness? When is it okay to loop in our boss without seeming like a jerk? When do we use the phone to call and clarify something?
Here are four things successful communicators do:
1. Don't respond to messages or emails when you're angry or frustrated.
This prevents miscommunication, wasted time and regret. If you feel emotionally hijacked, save your email message as a draft and revise and send it when you're in a better mood.
2. Assume good intent.
Instead of calling someone out for screwing up, step into their shoes and ask yourself, "What are some reasons why they might have made this mistake?"
It's better to people exactly what they need to take action. Sometimes just adding a quick brief so that they don't have to go back and read through previous emails and writing "Here's what I need from you" or "Here are the open dates again" is helpful.
3. Show empathy and encouragement.
Replace imperative words like "Do this" with conditional phrases like " do this?" When delivering feedback, begin your message by expressing appreciation using words like "Thank you for [X]" or "Excellent job on [X]."
If your boss, or even a client, sends you a passive aggressive email, fight that urge to send an even more petty reply. Lowering your actions down to their level will only escalate the tension and increase anxiety.
4. Avoid digital ghosting.
Need to get back to someone? Here's a quick guide to remember:
- If you can answer in 60 seconds or less: Respond immediately.
- If it's urgent: Respond immediately or let the sender know you are working on it. Make an appointment with yourself on your calendar if you need to.
- If it's a matter lacking urgency: Don't stress; block out time to follow up after at your convenience.
- If the one waiting for a response: Unless it's critical that you get a reply ASAP, remember that people may have a lot on their plates. If you follow up twice and don't get a reply, switch to a different medium (e.g. a phone call).
