Confident Email

Words are powerful. Whether spoken or written, the tone and word choice communicates beyond the content itself.  This graphic created by Dani Donovan really hits the mark.  Imagine the orange phrase as a cartoon bubble atop your bosses head.  That’s what you’re trying to achieve with your communication. Strong and empowered communications are one step in your journey to Advance!

According to a 2017 Gallup poll, it’s estimated that employees spend on average 25% of their time on emails. So making sure your email communicates what you want and how you want helps you thrive in your job and shows that you are ready for the next level.

Here are a few tips to think about as you craft your email responses: 

 

1) Write to your audience. Adjust your tone and your words based on who you are emailing. Think also about their personality type. If they are prone to more details, then add detail or if they are the type that just wants to get down to business, then respond that way. Also think about the balance of power in your email exchange. And think about your goal. If this is someone higher up and you want to impress them, then write accordingly. Or if you are writing to a client, you will want to influence them but deferentially to the power they have in hiring you. 

2) Company culture. Adjust your email to the company culture. Does your company have a tagline or rallying cry that you can end with? If you’re working in a tech startup, your email might have more of a casual tone, but if you’re working in a bigger, mature corporate headquarters, you'lll want to write in a more formal style. 

3) Stay calm. When respondig to email, it is important to have a clear mind and as much objectivity as possible. If you have an upsetting you need to respond to, try using this tool: https://www.advancewithava.com/ava-aid/The-Three-Light-Approach-To-Mindful-Communication

4) Don't forget the tips in the image and email like a boss!