In the security business we take failure seriously. Lives are at stake and sometimes emotions can get the best of us when beta-testing processes, etc. The key to a great working relationship, in any field of government, is to ensure that we practice candor and not let our emotions get the best of us. This said, I'm providing 3 tips to avoid breaking up a business relationship when things go wrong. You can use these tips in almost any situation so be sure to share them.
1. Write the email you want to send but leave the “to” section blank. After you write it, don’t edit it. Save it to drafts and revisit the issue after a three hour cooling offer period. You will be less emotional and more point orientated after three hours and then you can edit your email properly.
2. When you do go to edit the email, figure out a way to end it on a positive note. Offer some suggestions to correct the problem or talk about how you value the other person and want to address the issue but move forward as friends or professionals. Don’t be outright nasty with no room for positive resolution.
3. Get a second opinion before you hit send. Your head is in the game and directly related to the issue at hand. However, you can be sued if you are an employer and send the wrong type of an email. Plus, it is good to have someone from the outside read the email and give it a level-headed once over.
Finally, if you don’t receive a response within 24 hours of sending the email- call the person or invite him or her to talk it over while having coffee. You don’t want to look like a jerk- even if you are right- by sending an angry email with no opportunity for recovering or without extending the olive branch.
Until next time,
Twyla N. Garrett
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