E-(mail)scape

Can you imagine getting fired via e-mail?

Time and time again we witness the inappropriate use of e-mail for communication. It really just boils down to courage.

Most people know what's right and what's wrong. They know that a congratulations via email is typically acceptable for any occurrence. They know that a handwritten thank you note goes much further than an e-mail note; but a thank you, none-the-less, is always appreciated. And they know that it is not okay to fire someone, quit a job, break up from a relationship, coach behavior or reprimand someone via email. So why do we do it?

Most people fear confrontation and believe that avoiding it will make things easier. But avoiding confrontation will bring no benefit to any of the parties involved.

What avoiding confrontation will do is:

• Make you look like a coward
• Cause the other person to loose respect
• Not provide proper closure for you, likely leaving you to deal with more guilt, longer
• Never make you any better at facing confrontation
• Provide zero opportunity for growth

Dealing with confrontation is not fun for anyone, but doing so is a necessary part of life. Those who summons the courage will emerge better on the other end, and will have gained more respect along the way.

Next week, some sugar to help swallow the medicine.