![How To E-Mail Like A “Boss”](https://townsquare.media/site/156/files/2020/09/email.jpg?w=980&q=75)
How To E-Mail Like A “Boss”
You can tell a great deal about how people see themselves by the way they e-mail. Or at least the way they WANT to see themselves--or be seen by others. You may work with some people whose e-mails tend to come across a bit snarky, rude, or devoid of human personality altogether.
Others may write their e-mails with so many exclamation points and unicorn emoticons it seems more like an e-mail from a very young person or someone whose greatest fear is to offend you in any way.
Personally, I would rather receive an e-mail from the latter. At least this person is seeking to be friendly in their communication. In fact, I tend to e-mail closer to the latter style, too. I struggle with "people-pleasing." I have a thing about never wanting to offend or hurting anyone's feelings when that is never my goal. Women may have a tendency to struggle with this more than men.
At the same time, there's a balance point at which it would be wise to aim. I will probably always add an emoticon from time to time, especially if I'm e-mailing someone I sincerely like. And I've decided that's okay--because that's just me being myself.
In an effort, though, to inch closer to that professional balance between rude and perhaps a bit too whimsical, let's review some examples of potential responses you may want to consider. We'll categorize them as aggressive, passive and the more balanced response--friendly, but assertive.
![K-Fox 95.5 logo](https://townsquare.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/KAFXFM.png?w=100)
Aggressive: Where the heck are we on this project, guys?
Passive: Just wanted to check in and see how it was going?
Assertive: Let me know when I can expect an update.
Notice how the aggressive e-mail sounds a bit accusatory? That may lead to a defensive response from your colleagues. (Either TO you or privately in their own minds.) That's counter-productive.
The passive e-mail sounds too tentative. It reeks of over-concern about being a "bother." That can lead to colleagues taking a dismissive POV in the future. Also--counterproductive.
The assertive, but friendly e-mail strikes the balance. It's a strong statement asking for a definitive response without coming across as snarky. See the difference?
Take a look at a couple more example and take note of how each evokes a different tone:
Aggressive: Do you get what I'm saying finally?
Passive: I really just hope what I've said makes any sense whatsoever to you? :):):):)
Assertive: Let me know if you have any questions!
And one more:
Aggressive: Listen to me, I know what I'm doing.
Passive: I really think maybe we should ____? Would that be okay with you? :/
Assertive: It'd be best if we considered ______ as a viable option.
There are so many different scenarios.
Those who tend to write passively: Don't be over apologetic in your e-mails. Don't say "I'm sorry" unless you've actually done something wrong. Do your best to state your response clearly and without coming across as seeking emotional validation and/or permission.
If you tend toward aggression: Remember your emails are going to actual human beings with their own intelligent ideas. Treat them as such.
The friendly, but assertive email is the most conducive to win-win situations. Information is communicated clearly and both your, and their, self-respect can be left in tact.
Does that make any sense whatsoever? :):):):)
Kidding, kidding. .....
;)
READ MORE: See 50 remote jobs that can pay well
More From K-Fox 95.5
![USPS Making Big Service Changes For Mail In Texas](http://townsquare.media/site/166/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-11T170046.066.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![WATCH: Drastically Improve Your Relationship by Learning to Argue ‘Better’](http://townsquare.media/site/187/files/2021/04/fred-moon-S9yn7XYqxoU-unsplash-e1618943684586.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Waiting For Permission To Be Yourself? Granted. (But Not By Me)](http://townsquare.media/site/187/files/2021/04/svyatoslav-romanov-r38u2Uq1AXk-unsplash-e1618866538892.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![My Ongoing Quest Toward Becoming a Morning Person [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/187/files/2021/04/thumbnail_IMG_8976-e1617667468253.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Trouble Finding A Partner? Watch Your Body Language–It Says More Than You Realize](http://townsquare.media/site/187/files/2021/03/milan-csizmadia-rCa8as1KkU0-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Keep Your Customers Loyal After a Tough Year in East Texas](http://townsquare.media/site/156/files/2021/03/blake-wisz-q3o_8MteFM0-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Ben Franklin’s Blueprint: Planning Your Day For Success [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/187/files/2021/03/RS18363_GettyImages-490671346-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![How To Lose Your Job In Seven Easy Steps (Yes, That’s Sarcasm)](http://townsquare.media/site/187/files/2021/02/lose-job.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![BEFORE You Start Your New Business: Things To Consider](http://townsquare.media/site/187/files/2021/01/biz.jpg?w=980&q=75)