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September 01, 2004

TIP #3: Don't even think about pushing SEND!

Angry after a meeting? Frustrated with that voice mail? Irritated with an email you just got? Tempted to write back your strong point of view to set the record straight?

OK. Go ahead. Write it. Get it out of your system - vent, rage, argue, or whatever you need to do. Then save it to read a few days later for laughs, or delete it. Don't even think about pushing that send button. The light blub in your head should be blinking red: Stop - potential career damage ahead. Stop. Stop.

Better yet - pick up the phone or walk down and see the person. Face to face or live over the phone is a better solution in these cases. Email is a permanent record and often escalates a situation.

I discussed an experience of mine with email in my monthly In the Scheme of Things column called, Making It Personal.

Posted by Nan Russell at September 1, 2004 10:49 AM