What would you do when your e-mail backfires?

Bhavin Gandhi | March 25, 2011 at 6:20 PM | Categories: Uncategorized | URL: http://wp.me/p103Cm-3S

In todays world, almost everyone communicates through e-mails, SMS, or twitter. While these communication channels have made it faster and easier to convey our messages, it took out the human element from the communication. Thus, sometimes our messages are interpreted differently. Hence, we need to make sure that our messages are conveyed to the right people, and their interpretation of that message is same as our interpretation of the same message. If we fail to recognize this then we can end up in a big trouble. For example: In one of my MBA class, I work with a group of four people. One day, I wrote an e-mail to my group regarding some work assignment. And I used one of my team mates name (say Mr. X) as an example to not do something. Since, I knew him from my other classes and we had close friendship; I thought he will understand my humor behind this analogy. But that e-mail backfired on me. On the other day, Mr. X wrote me a long e-mail explaining, how I offended him. And how he is unhappy about that e-mail. Obviously, I took corrective action to explain my situation and apologized to him for any unintended behavior from my side. Thats where I got an idea about this blog. I hope, my suggestions in this blog helps you in better communicate with your peers through e-mails, SMS and Twitter. Following are few tips that I would recommend you to follow: Use of smiles: If you are trying to be humorous in your e-mail then use smiles after your statement. Smiles will go a long way in explaining your stand behind that statement. In my situation, if I would have used a smile after providing a bad example of Mr. X, nothing would have happened. Mr. X would have understood my message and he would have considered that message, as humorous instead of offensive. Proof read your e-mail: Make sure that you proof read your message, before you send it to someone. If it is a message about corrective action, then please proof read it thrice (if possible). E-mails about corrective actions are already very sensitive, and you dont want to overcomplicate it by sending unclear messages. Also, try to put yourself in to the shoes of the reader, and read the e-mail again. Dont send any e-mails that will offend you, if you were on the other side of the spectrum. Ask for feedback: Always ask for the feedback. You can use wordings like Let me know, if you need anything else from my side. Feedback mechanism will not only make sure that your message is conveyed properly but also provide an opportunity for the receiver to provide their feedback. Since, I always use this mechanism in my e-mails, Mr. X felt comfortable enough to confront me regarding my e-mail. This gave me an opportunity to explain my position. Thus, dont ever forget to ask for feedback. Apologize for miscommunication: In the worst case scenario (like me), never hesitate to apologize. Few words of apologies go a long way. Dont just apologize by writing something like Sorry in your response. Write a brief e-mail regarding your statement, and explain how he/she might have misinterpreted that. This will give you an opportunity to explain yourself and strengthen your relationship with the receiver of that e-mail.

Author: Bhavin Gandhi | Contact information: www.bhavingandhi.com

I hope, these tips will help you to better communicate with your team. And if you have any better suggestions then please feel free to share it with me. Thanks. Bhavin Gandhi

Author: Bhavin Gandhi | Contact information: www.bhavingandhi.com