How to Write a Critical Email
How to write an Email It's not easy to write a critical email without hurting the other's person's feelings. But there is a market-proven and time-tested way to accomplish exactly that. Here are the 3 RULES for writing an email criticizing an act, a behavior, or a development, without launching (or creating a perception of) a personal attack on the recipient. 1) Criticize the act, situation, or the product, NOT the person. 2) Use the HAMBURGER method. Sandwich your criticism in between two positive comments that are relevant to the issue at hand. 3) Leave a door open for the other person to improve or correct the situation, or at least, to save face. For example: Dear Pat, [Start with a POSITIVE intro] It was great seeing you again at the Rainmakers Conference. I really enjoyed your presentation on Twitter marketing. [End POSITIVE intro] [Start NEGATIVE comment] However, it was brought to my attention that you have used our training package that is copyrighted by our training institute. Our President was disappointed that we have not received any credit for the presentation set that was developed over a period of 2 years at a cost of $1.8 million. Since I know the kind of conscientious person you are, I explained to our President my belief that this was nothing intentional on your part and it was an inadvertent omission. Our President agreed with me that she'd be able to explain the situation to our Board (meeting next Friday) if your company issued a press statement explaining the situation and crediting our Institute. That's not an impossible task to accomplish before our Board meeting, correct? I'd really appreciate your kind help in this matter and I rely on your professionalism and sense of fairness to resolve this matter quickly. [End NEGATIVE comment] [Start POSITIVE closing] The next time you’re in town please let me know and I’d love to take you to the new Indian restaurant now operated by our old classmate Neezam from Albany (remember?). Looking forward to your favorable reply. And please let me know if you have any questions. Cheers! Just [End POSITIVE closing] Just N. Example Have a Great Tip, Photo or Comment About This Topic?Do you have a great tip or photo about this? Something that you believe we should read or see? Contribute and share it today! |