Discretion and Your Business Email Communications
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Discretion:
- Freedom to act or judge on one’s own
- Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress
- Refined taste; tact
- The power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies
- The trait of judging wisely and objectively
Lack of Discretion in Business Emails
Based on the above definition, can you see how much discretion comes into play regarding your business email activities? For instance, here are just a few examples, off the top of my head, of not using discretion in your business email communications:
I can go on. Those who fail to exercise discretion in their business email communications are viewed as doing just that. As a result, the perception that you lack discretion when running your business can be a huge red flag—above all, to future customers and partners.
Do contacts think this of you?
Talk about lazy!
What else do they don’t pay attention to details?
How unprofessional!
Is this business worth trusting?
When you do not think before you do, by using discretion, more often than not, the perception is that you lack tech or business savvy and courtesy. Sometimes, this will cause your credibility and even education to be questioned.
With business email, you must consciously use discretion at all times to ensure you are perceived as a consummate professional. You want associates, customers, clients, and management alike to know they can trust and rely on you. Be the person they look forward to communicating with.
Patience, Professionalism = Discretion
Discretion could be one of the most important tools we have at our disposal. Using discretion will ensure you leave the impression that it is necessary and critical to your long-term business success—that and, of course, Business Email Etiquette.
