How to Write Effective Emails as a Business Leader
Writing emails in general can be difficult, but it can be even more challenging when writing emails as a leader. It is important to take time when drafting emails to think about the tone of the message. Emails are not always interpreted in the way they should be because they lack the nonverbal cues associated with in-person conversations.
Here are a few quick tips for writing better emails as a workplace leader.
Be Straightforward From the Beginning
To sound like a leader when drafting an email, you must get straight to the point. This starts with the subject line. Creating a concise subject line that conveys the message will help the recipient of the email provide a prompt response. Think about emails that get your attention and make your subject line similar.
A great way to get your point across quickly is to use action words. For example, if you need an employee to make a phone call, including the word “Call” as the action word in the subject line will get their attention.
Think about the Language You’re Using
It is important to keep using action words throughout the body of the email. One way to include action words in the body of the email is to use headers to break up the text. Think about how you feel when you receive an email with multiple paragraphs of information to read. You lose interest quickly and your employees do too. Breaking up the email with effective headlines allows your reader to skim the information to find what they need. This also makes the recipient of the email more likely to read the content.
Have a Professional Signature
To sound like a leader, your email should have an automated signature. Include your company’s logo, your position at the company, and your contact information. This is a great example for the rest of the employees in the company. It also provides employees with your contact information if they need to contact you in a way other than email.
Be Friendly
Remember to also add some life to your emails. Try to have a good balance of friendliness and business so that your employees do not dread opening emails from you! A good leader shows that they care for their employees, even when communicating through email.
Originally published on MichaelTanha.net