Did You Get My Email?

By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco

Works little annoyances…

So how would you rank the following bothersome behaviors?

Colleagues who ask for a meeting, and are late or multi-tasking when the meeting is to begin?

Time is money… So it should be when managing a meeting.  You are annoyed when a participant arrives late to your meeting, that holds true in reverse.  So be prepared and prompt for the meeting you organize. Your colleagues and your boss will appreciate the preparedness not only as a time saver, but as the best use of the company’s best resource.

Colleagues forwarding personal/questionable emails to your work email account?

Bloggers beware….check your HR policy, most likely there is a personal email clause that might take a moment of temporary humor into a permanent problem.  The internet is not written in pencil…it is INK!

Can you hear me now?

With the advent of mobile phones, every public space has become a forum for personal discussion.  The work place should not one of them.               The cell phone user oversteps the bounds of good taste by subjecting everyone to their conversation. Put the personal cell on vibrate, taking calls away from your desk only during emergencies or at approved break times during the day. This is why voicemail was invented.

Coldplay, Enya, Bruce or Elvis…Colleagues who play music loud enough for all in a 6 cubicle radius to hear?

Most companies do not condone or permit personal music being played in the workspace.  If you are permitted to listen, headsets are the answer.     “Do unto others”…do you really want to hear your cubicle-mate’s favorite pan flute artist Zamfir fluting away?  My guess is…no.

Did you get me email?

Give your colleagues time to review the two page email you just sent before you send a “nudge” email asking the recipient “Did you get my email?”  Quick tip…The use of an IM tool could help.  After sending your time sensitive email, send the recipient a quick IM informing them that there is an important email in their inbox.

And remember… one, two, three threads you’re out.  If an email is not resolved by the third thread, pick up the phone.

Call on Mother, May I for additional guidance on Cubicle Chronicles. Send us your ranking of these workplace pet peeves to MMIpgh@gmail.com

Check us out on our website www.mothermayisite.org or call us for more information on how we can make your workplace a kinder, gentler…more profitable place to be!

Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco are the Co-founders of Mother, May I-a premier company that trains and teaches proper behavior, common courtesies and social skills updated. MMI is licensed to train professionals in Protocol and Corporate etiquette.  MMI provides customized presentations for all audiences. MMI’s Mission  is to share valuable information for everyone to improve their world–“Changing your manners, may change your world”