Cc: and BCc: Reply Expectations

I get asked about this all the time — 4 times this week so far. What is expected of you when your name is either in the Cc: field or you are BCc:’d on an e-mail?

Here are some considerations:

• Cc: notes you are being FYI’d. And only Cc: those who need to be in the know. You only need to respond if you have something to add or that is relevant to the original message. And, only reply back to those who need to be aware of your comment(s). If the others in the Cc: field would not benefit or do not need to know the content of your reply, remove their e-mail addresses before doing so. Make a point of using your discretion here.
• If Cc:’d , hitting Reply To All is rarely prudent and in most cases does not lend to efficient e-mail communications. There are times when it is not necessary for “all” to be aware of your response. On an aside… Refrain from using Reply to All to CYA. Using Reply to All in this manner can lead to you appearing trivial and may backfire causing your e-mails to not be taken as seriously.
• BCc: notes you are being FYI’d without others knowledge and no rely is necessary or expected. Here again, BCc: with proper intentions. Never BCc: to expose others to unrelated or sensitive e-mails without the recipient’s knowledge or to be a e-mail tattle-tail (eTattler). This too can reflect negatively on your lack of professionalism in the workplace.

As is usually the case, we are talking about thinking before doing; and only doing for all the right reasons. Minimizing e-mail volume by only replying and sending to those who are necessary to the conversation at hand will always have your e-mails taken more seriously. With the added benefit of being viewed as a courteous and professional communicator.

Some More Info for You:

1. Expectations of a Reply
2. To Reply or Not to Reply
3. Unrealistic Response Expectations
4. What Are Your E-mail Reply Expectations?
5. Business E-mail Reply Expectations? Pronto Tonto!