Professionals Give and Take Email Corrections with Grace

I have several websites, and I write a lot, which requires me to read, reread, and read again. I can go back to things I wrote sometime later and find errors I missed. Many times, I’m surprised I missed them in the first place.

How could I miss that? Was my site hacked? Of course not. It happens to everyone, and no one is perfect.

Eventually, some kind soul ends up on my website and discovers my mistake. They email me so that I can make the appropriate corrections. Some even comment that they, too, have experienced what I call “Invisible Error Syndrome.” (I reviewed that article about five times—how did I miss that?)

Taking Corrections with Grace

What do I do when I receive these emails? Most emails I receive are sent with genuine, sincere concern to want to help, probably because the sender has been there and done that.

However, some are less than professional and feel the need to correct me as though I am a 5-year-old who needs scolding. They note their accomplishments with alphabet soup after their name to lend credence and arrogance to their corrections.

Fine—their approach says more about them than me. Either way, I have been offered the opportunity to learn something and correct my errors. These corrections serve to make my sites better, and that, not my ego, is the bottom line for me.

I thank them for taking the time to point this out to me and helping me improve my site. It is my mistake, my oversight, my error. I don’t make excuses. I own it.

Corrections are a Bonus

I take corrections in stride, and I am comfortable that I am not perfect. I realize there is no way I will be mistake-free or find every error. No matter how hard I try.  And believe me, I put in more effort than most.

It’s like having a second pair of eyes that catch what I miss. The result is the same if someone takes the time to help me, regardless of tone or motive. They have helped me improve my article and my website.

Always Be Open to Improvement 

The same goes for Email Etiquette. None of us are perfect. Unfortunately, many have never had formal training or education regarding Email Etiquette and proper technology use. Contrary to popular belief, the online world is not a free-for-all.

Email etiquette is a subset of learning how to write coherently and adequately.  That hasn’t been taught in schools for some time, and it shows.

Even with all the guidelines I discuss on my websites, the bottom line is that you have to write appropriately and clearly. Effort needs to be made.

Business is Not Informal

Many people have the incorrect perception that email is informal. Unfortunately, nothing is informal when it comes to running a successful business. Add texting to the mix, and poor impressions are made, and opportunities are lost.

Behind these screens are living, breathing human beings—all with feelings, most trying to do their best. How you engage, promote, and nurture your email relationships and business conversations will determine your effectiveness and success.

Be Thankful for Corrections

If you are kindly told that you need to work on your email skills, did something incorrect online, or overlooked an error on your website, don’t get offended and huffy. Be grateful, own it, and make the necessary corrections.

Promptly thank the person who brought the issue to your attention. Then, correct the situation and make efforts in the appropriate areas to resolve it for the long haul. Then don’t do it again.

Kindly Help Others

If you find someone who needs help with Email Etiquette or has mistakes you want to inform them of, don’t belittle them or attempt to make them feel stupid. If you cannot make corrections or suggestions with kindness, then don’t bother.

I’ve never understood why some use precious time to be intentionally rude or condescending when pointing out others’ mistakes. I guess that makes them feel superior.

I also do not understand why some people react negatively when being kindly corrected. Being open to our mistakes is how we learn, grow, and succeed.

By helping other folks learn, we are all serving the online community by making this environment more profitable and enjoyable for all to participate in. Don’t get mad if you don’t know everything yet. Don’t rest on your laurels and think that you do.

And most importantly, don’t kill the messenger if someone points that out to you. Instead, give and take corrections gracefully, and you’ll find the online world to be that empowering environment you’ve heard about.