When somebody does something for you, it's nice to say "thank you". On the other hand, if it's their job, maybe they then may gets dozens of mails per day just saying "thank you", so that may irritate more than help. Does anybody have a useful rule of thumb as to when to say thanks over email?
Times for thanks...
ReplyDelete1) If I know I have a follow up question.
2) If "the extra mile" was involved.
3) If it was a protracted dialogue to reach the conclusion. This is more to identify resolution than express gratitude.
4) When the answer was terse, unhelpful and has forced me to other decisions. Typically accompanied with a "but no thanks".
I haven't bothered with #5 in a while, but "when she is extremely bed-able" is a classic.
Mmm... I think you might overestimate the number of people who thank back...
ReplyDeleteI love it when people thank me in my job (just "thanks" is enough), specially if it took me some time to write the previous email/s, so I always thank others back.
If I know the other person is really busy, then I just add the "ok, thanks" in the subject line right before the original subject. This way they don't even have to open the email.
Even if it is their job and they just did it simply and competently, I think it deserves a "Thank you." Truth be told, I'm finding people who do their job simply and competently a scarce and unappreciated resource.
ReplyDelete"If I know the other person is really busy, then I just add the "ok, thanks" in the subject line right before the original subject. This way they don't even have to open the email."
ReplyDeleteWow. In my 23 years of e-mailing, I have never heard or seen this. Truly an original idea.
"I'm finding people who do their job simply and competently a scarce and unappreciated resource."
I agree.
I guess we all agree on this, a thank you is always welcome. One line, something like "Thank you, t'was a pleasure dealing with you" or "Thanks, much appreciated" can make a day, and certainly cannot kill a good mood.
ReplyDelete