It’s a tale as old as time, or as long as we’ve had email. Email gives us the opportunity to be passive-aggressive, without having to say it to someone’s face. It’s like smiling while giving someone the finger, all while hiding behind a send button. We can’t just say what we want, but if we did?
What I wrote: Per My Last Email
What I really wanted to write: I’ve sent you this before. You didn’t reply. Why do I have to remind you again and waste MY time by writing you again? So I’m not repeating everything I said. Go back to the last email I wrote and do your job!
What I wrote: I’ve cc’d ____ above.
What I really wanted to write: You aren’t doing your job, so I’ve brought in reinforcements aka oversight. Here’s hoping this helps!
What I wrote: In the future….
What I really wanted to write: This is not how we do things. I’ll let it slide, but from now on, you know better.
What I wrote: FYI
What I really wanted to write: I know you know this, but I need email proof that you “know” this.
What I wrote: Circling back on this.
What I really wanted to write: Can you please reply so we can close the loop on this?
What I wrote: Just checking the status.
What I really wanted to write: Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?
Here’s to a productive week, filled with emails that do the thing. Fingers crossed!
