5 email mistakes to avoid!

1. Delayed response to your manager

If a delay is unavoidable, send a holding email explaining the need for a delay (e.g. you're waiting on some information from a supplier) and give them an indication of when they can expect a full reply.

2. Defensive language

Sometimes you may end up in an email thread where people may try to point fingers if things are not going well.

Instead of getting frustrated, calmly set out the facts as to why things have gone wrong and most importantly follow up with suggestions and solutions.

Managers do not have the time to get into petty politics and if they feel they have a solutions orientated person on their team they are likely to look favourably upon them. 

3. Not maintaining your schedule

It’s important that your colleagues and clients understand that you have a schedule and you need to stick to it. 

Instead of asking “When would be best for you?” ask if a specific date and time would work for other people, i.e. “Would you be able to do Thursday at 11:00am?” 

This is a gentle reminder that your time is important and you have a number of other responsibilities.

4. Emphasising apologising for mistakes rather than fixing them

Sometimes you will make a human error and someone else may notice and point it out to you. 

It happens to the best of us.

In this situation, acknowledge the mistake but don't go overboard when apologising, avoid saying things along the lines of “Ahh...sorry, my bad. Totally missed that” and instead thank them for drawing your attention to it, fix the problem immediately and let them know that it’s done. 

5. Not asking for Clarification

The problem with email is that there is no way of knowing how the other person has received your message or if there is anything that they are unclear about. 

It’s OK to ask for clarification. A simple “Hopefully that makes sense?” or “Please let me know if you have any questions” covers your bases.