“THE MONEY ALWAYS SHOWS UP ON MONDAY.”
The e-mail was in all caps.
I was getting yelled at, and she was in charge of my paycheck. I had to do something...quick!
Following up from last week’s message about making your e-mails more read-worthy, I thought I’d throw you another e-mail tip that I almost learned at the expense of my money!
We had been exchanging e-mails. I was trying to figure out why the money was hitting my account on Monday in my new account, rather than on Friday like my old account. I was chipping away short, friendly e-mails trying to get answers.
Then one came in all in caps…and you know what that means.
I re-read my e-mails, and if you read them with a sour, defensive tone, I could totally see how they could sound attacking and rude.
I knew what I needed to do.
I picked up the phone. Once my tone of voice, and friendly manner was involved, she answered my questions, and we were friends again! Fshew! I don't have to eat Ramen this weekend.
Most people don’t like to talk on the phone. I know I’ll always go for a quick and easy written message if I can. But there are 2 instances when I’ll always pick up the phone.
1. When there’s likely to be a lot of back and forth. It’s a whole lot easier to get a bunch of questions answered and information exchanged quickly if you just talk about it. Saves having to deal with 57 e-mails with 1 sentence each.
2. When there may be a misunderstanding or offense taken. I may think my e-mails are perfectly friendly, but the reader's interpretation is really what matters, and in the case of my direct deposit, I knew I didn’t want to leave her with a bad taste in her mouth about Anne Bonney, Employee #44827640 (real number changed to protect the innocent.) You can tell when someone is getting salty on an e-mail. Just pick up the phone and clear it up, and leave friends.
Never go to bed angry!
