I recently received a note from a colleague on preferred email communication with a new boss. Thought it was worth passing along - minor elements are changed to protect identities and make it flow …

The purpose of this note is to give you a heads up on written communications by email. I have found that emails with opening lines that clearly explain the purpose of our communication work best. For example:

• the purpose of this email is to recommend … OR …
• to provide you with an update
• to get your approval for
• to share an idea
• etc, etc.

That opening line should then be followed up with either background information, tightly crafted explanation, and should conclude with a sense of next steps (if applicable).

For example:

• if you support the recommendation, I will organize a meeting/communicate this to appropriate parties … OR …
• once I have received your approval I will process the request/follow up with

Trusting this makes sense. Offered in the spirit of collegiality.

Tags: email, etiquette, work, john koetsier