Flaming is basically a very harsh message from one person to another via email. Flaming was initially a term used to describe what would happen, what type of emails you could expect to receive, if you participated on a mailing list or discussion board and broke the rules or it was clear you didn’t take the time to read them.
Flaming now tends to not only include discussion boards and mailing lists but day-to-day emails. In my opinion, there is no circumstance in business email to flame another onliner. Remember, your business email address is your branding. If you get so upset with someone or something that you are sending an email that could be categorized as a flame, hit delete and wait until you cool off to respond — if at all.
Increasingly in our go-go-go business world where we don’t have enough time in a day, terse emails are on the uprise. Chances are you may face being on the receiving end of those who are stressed, disorganized or simply lacking in professionalism in their business communications.
If you find that you are flamed, it could be the Sender is being nasty because they are having a bad day, misunderstood something you typed–or are just a plain jerk. Regardless of why someone may send you a ornery email, don’t respond in kind.
If you are flamed and you did break rules, or didn’t take the time to review available resources, simply offer your humble apology and the “flamer” will probably understand. The last thing you want to do is flame back when you are in the wrong — you won’t like the response to that at all. Not to mention the possible tarnishing of your business image that can ensue.
When faced with rude, harsh or indelicate emails from coworkers or business associates, always take the high road and reply in a non-emotional professional manner.
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