"Are you still writing emails or are you already solving problems? - Stefan Heer
Symptoms
- Is the mailbox always full?
- Do you sometimes get annoyed when you read an email?
- And do you sometimes put your anger (emotions) into an e-mail?
This is the e-mail trap, because as one calls into the forest...
Background
Overfilled mailboxes are an unmistakable sign that the medium is overloaded. An e-mail is comparable to a postcard. There is room for three things: salutation - simple message - greeting .
However, emails are very often overloaded. For example, with complex issues that require queries and joint coordination. Emotions are also almost always overloaded in emails. Email is not a rich medium. It cannot convey emotions and ambiguities. The recipient always understands what he wants to understand, and rarely what the sender meant.
Overfilled mailboxes are an unmistakable sign that the medium is overloaded. An e-mail is comparable to a postcard. There is room for three things: salutation - simple message - greeting .
However, emails are very often overloaded. For example, with complex issues that require queries and joint coordination. Emotions are also almost always overloaded in emails. Email is not a rich medium. It cannot convey emotions and ambiguities. The recipient always understands what he wants to understand, and rarely what the sender meant.
Antidote
Every time you want to write an email, ask yourself three questions:
- Does the topic require a vote or explanations?
- Are negative emotions involved?
- Is there a real risk of misunderstandings?
If even one question is answered with "yes", then a richer channel should be chosen, such as telephone, video conferencing or a physical meeting.
Nice to Know
You can also actively change the channel. For example, when processing e-mails. As soon as something is unclear or smells of emotion, pick up the phone: "Hello XY, I've just read your email, let's talk about it on the phone. Do you have a minute?
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