This dialogue is a recurring one in my writing workshops:
Meanwhile, some employees do more damage by following those gracious greetings with abrasive demands or gratuitous accusations, sending misdirected missives, copying staff who have no business receiving the message, and forwarding purposeless email strings leading nowhere.
My point: Be your word. Don't say you hope someone is having a great day only to ruin it for them.
Learner: Is it OK to open an email by writing, "I hope you're having a nice day" or "I hope all is well"?
Phil: Do you write those openings?
Learner: Yeah.
Phil: And no one calls you out on them?
Learner: No.
Phil: Then you answered your question.While I find little value in those all-too-often disingenuous statements, many managers expect their staff to open with such niceties. I do understand the importance of setting the right tone, as business depends on cultivating strong relationships.
Meanwhile, some employees do more damage by following those gracious greetings with abrasive demands or gratuitous accusations, sending misdirected missives, copying staff who have no business receiving the message, and forwarding purposeless email strings leading nowhere.
My point: Be your word. Don't say you hope someone is having a great day only to ruin it for them.
