How Do You Build Relationships Through E-mail?by Sybil Evans More sensitivity is needed when sending E-mail. What may seem like an appropriate request by the sender may read like an unreasonable order to the receiver. Here are some tips to collaborate and build relationships through E-mail. Bear in mind that we have different communication styles. A message that may work for one may not be suitable for another. 1. Write this kind of message when you are making a request to a busy person. Empathize with the person by writing: I realize that you're juggling many balls in the air and I have just one more that I'd like you to handle. Would you please? I'd really appreciate it. 2. If you'd like some immediate feedback and can't see the person face to face write: Listen, I trust your judgment and would like to know what you thought about how I handled the situation at the meeting when ...? Tell me honestly. 3. If you want to check an assumption right away, and can't see the person right away, write: At the meeting today I was in a rush and am afraid I cut you off. Were you peeved or what? Can we talk about this? 4. You want to clobber this person who sent you this e-mail but the conflict may spiral out-of-control. Instead, write: I'm sensing the anger building on both ends of our emails. So let's take a break, meet and talk it over. When do you have some free time? If you're thinking, that's not how I communicate, find your own way to deal with the situation while keeping the spirit of the message. Diversity Training and Skill Building | Home |