Twice last week I’ve had onliners send e-mails stating incorrect assumptions because they did not take the time to read my previous correspondence. In both cases, my e-mails were very clear. The assumptions were born because the other side obviously did not take the time to read my e-mail (or previous e-mails on the same topic) in their entirety.
Yes, I know… We are all in a hurry. Too busy to get anything done. Not enough time in the day! But when you don’t take the time to read, really read, the e-mails you are responding to, you risk looking as though paying attention to details is not a priority. That could not only embarrassing, but the kiss of death to any business. Then, to add salt to the wound, because you assumed based on a quick overview instead of taking the context in it’s entirety, you risk looking downright unconversant.
And, no, saying, “I may have not read your e-mail thoroughly but…” before you top post your response, doesn’t make your claims valid or accurate. You simply look as though you have no desire to pay take the necessary time when required to accomplish your business communications. Certainly not a professional approach. What does it say about a person who whips off an e-mail filled with assumptions contrary to the content of the e-mail they are replying to? Not much in my book.
Here again is where using down-editing (as a skill and a habit) makes sure you read and reply to each point in your communications. This practice ensures both sides are on the same page and can avoid those dangerous assumptions.
It is every onliners job to read communications completely before responding to them. It is also each onliners responsibility to ensure they are responding appropriately. Before you make assumptions or accusations, be sure that what you are responding to is in fact what the person said or provided. You need to take the time to think about if what you are typing is apropos and accurate to what was typed by the other side.
If you are in a hurry and don’t have time to read the entire e-mail or previous e-mails before you reply to them in haste, then don’t reply until you have the time to send an educated response. You’ll save face and eat a lot less humble pie in the process!
Some More Info for You:
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