Especially in the digital age, before you hit that button to send, tap into your emotions to assess if you are reacting emotionally, so you don’t regret it later. You have your reputation, your clients, and your firm to consider.
Emotional intelligence, or Emotional Quotient (EQ) skills can help you evaluate communications carefully before you send that sharp or “witty” retort that may get you into hot water way over your head. Here are some quick tips:
✔️ Consider your audience, and where your message is going.
✔️Don’t use all capitals, such as, “I need that memo TODAY,” because it’s viewed as digital screaming.
✔️Use bullet points to make your points with clarity and emphasis.
✔️Proofread always: auto-fill, spell check, and auto-correct can make fools of us all.
✔️Don’t send an email, text, or post when you are feeling emotions such as anger or frustration. Sit back, or walk away from your desk, laptop, or phone instead. Revise in a neutral way later if you still feel the need to send.
✔️Common courtesy, such as “please” and “thank you” will go far.
✔️Keep things brief, cordial, and to the point.
✔️Use punctuation wisely; go easy on exclamation points (!!!!) or do not use them at all.
If you’re worried your written communication lacks the polish of emotional intelligence, please contact me for an EQ assessment, training, and coaching. sodentz@progressinwork.com.
Published by Sheryl Odentz on LinkedIn on September 20, 2022. Sheryl is the founder of Progress in Work LLC, an award-winning career management firm. Sheryl helps lawyers and other types of professionals with a wide range of career issues such as career transitions, business development, and leadership.