I think that everyone deserves a proper response to an e-mail. I see older people around me, people that have supposedly been doing this a long time, and they don’t understand what a complete response means. A full response ensures completeness of meaning for those who question every word, or in many cases, lack of words. A thoughtful response, even if a negative one, is more digestible. A prompt response shows attentiveness and commitment to communication. Finally, an honest response implies concern and attention for not only the person who is expecting a response, but importantly the sender himself. That complete, prompt, honest response depicts a person of those same qualities, and inspires a working environment of the same manner.
No one takes the time to do these things. No one has time to do these things for people who they probably won’t ever see face-to-face to talk about it. We’re all busy and productive, and as positive as that is for any company, it causes a lot of stress, too. I sent a couple mails around today, replying to a question, and accepting an invitation. I found ways to extend them beyond yes and no to the point where I felt proud sending these to people. Neither one of them replied back with more than two words. This led me to question and indecision, largely owing to my insecurity in this strange environment, but also a global quality amongst people in general, demanding to know more, demanding a complete answer. Two words left too many what-ifs and maybes. It made my original seem comical and inappropriate. It wasn’t enough, and it’s thrown my whole day.
I do know of one person, though, who takes the time to send quality messages. He consistently provides through answers, confirmation or denials with reasons, and little quips that brighten my day. I know for a fact that other people enjoy his e-mails, too, and yet they still send, “No.” and “Thanks, Michael”. It leaves me a little insane; it’s because I’m just the intern, right? I delete your messages anyway, though, so don’t worry. I like a clean inbox.
Valient effort, clean inbox