Respond To Angry Emails In Person To Avoid Embarrassment

Since email is a rather impersonal form of communication, we often feel less inhibited to say what we’re really thinking — which can lead to some serious email regret. Save yourself by ending the email communication and bringing the conversation face-to-face.

When you feel that anger coming on, there are a number of different ways to deal with it. Weblog Business Hacks recommends giving yourself some time before you respond to an angry email, so you can reply objectively. Even better, though, is the idea to stop emailing completely:

“Offer to meet the person and talk face-to-face. Constant emails back and forth can make a bad situation worse.”

Having dealt with my share of angry e-mails over the years (and allowed myself to get dragged into some very painful arguments), I’ll second that suggestion – but it doesn’t have to be a face-to-face meeting. If the message came from someone you know, just pick up the phone: “Hey, I wanted to talk about your e-mail and try to get this worked out.” Most of the time, that’s a quick and effective way to resolve bad feelings.

When we’re forced to turn that anger into a real, human interaction, we’re a lot less likely to go overboard with it, and can move to resolve the issue in a much more civilised manner. Hit the link to read more, and share how you deal with angry emails in the comments. Photo remixed from an original by dawgbyte77.

How to Respond to an Angry Email (and Not Let it Destroy Your Career) [Business Hacks]


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