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Assuming Gender in Email

ByJudith Hours Updated:
Avoid assuming gender in your business email communications.

You know what happens when you assume, right?

Anyone who follows this blog knows not to assume anything about our email communications. The fact is that assuming rarely leads to anything positive. That’s why if you are unsure; ask.

For example, assumptions can lead to lost opportunity in the global environment in which we all are now doing business. Notably, assuming by a contact’s name, if they are male or female, can cause you not to make a very good first impression.

Examples of Misgendering

My name is Nikita. It’s a typical Russian male name, but when I send emails to other countries, people got some problems with identifying my gender when looking at my sig. As a result, in response, I receive messages starting with “dear ms. Nikita,” Can I put “Mr” somewhere in the sig to avoid misunderstanding?
BEE
Site Visitor

Putting a Mr. in your sig file for first contact would set the record straight. However, that may make you appear more formal than you may prefer. If you are a formal guy — then that’s okay. If not, you could always remove the Mr. on subsequent communications.

I recommend that if someone misidentifies your gender based on your name, kindly send them straight. “By the way, I’m a male. Just thought you would want to know. “

Here’s how one of my readers tries to prevent this with his particular name situation:

I am a guy and happen to have two (possible) female first names. I’ve been in the business world for almost 20 years, and I have never bothered to add a Mr. in front of my first name.

What I do is sign off as “Alexander ‘Alex’ [last name here].” This is just one suggestion for those of us with nicknames that can be considered for either gender.
BEE
Site Visitor

Humble Apologies

When you discover that you’ve made this assumption in error — humbly apologize. Hopefully, you are not the first to do so, and the person on the other side will understand.

Now that I think about it, I always email folks with gender-neutral names (Pat, Chris, Kerry, Robyn, Frances, Kylie, Sam, Joe, Bernie). I’ve never considered gender in communicating with anyone who emails me.

I email everyone the same way as you should.

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