Careful Electronic Communication Tips

In today’s world, most communications are electronic—whether through emails, texts, instant messages, or social media posts. We might think these are less permanent than written documents, but they often become more permanent due to electronic storage, screenshots, backups, and forwarding. This necessitates careful consideration of what we say in electronic communications. The following tips, though focused on work communications, are also helpful for personal exchanges:

First, remember our Core Values when communicating, particularly “We have integrity – our actions align with our words” and “We respect and welcome everyone’s input.”

It’s important to remember that every electronic communication is potentially permanent and could be shared beyond the intended recipient. This underscores the need for a professional and respectful tone, regardless of the topic.

Sarcasm and humor often fail to translate well in professional communications and should generally be avoided. Always double-check your recipient list, including email addresses and text numbers, to prevent misdirecting messages.

Before sending any electronic communication, it’s essential to re-read the message. This practice can help you catch mistakes, reassess your tone and language, and ensure your response aligns with our Core Values.

Consider whether an in-person conversation or telephone call might be more appropriate for sensitive communications—such as those involving highly confidential company information or potential risks to the company.