Question

You are a careful communicator by email. You generally plan your emails well. However, you sometimes send them without enough thought or without reviewing them sufficiently. Focus on spending slightly more time in the planning stage.

Write three goals you have for becoming a more effective communicator by email.


For EACH goal complete the following:

1. Specifically, identify the goal.
2. Describe what steps or actions you will take to achieve the goal.
3. Identify what deadline you will set to achieve the goal.
4. Identify how you will measure successful achievement of the goal.

Answer 1

To become a more effective communicator by email, set goals to improve email planning, enhance proofreading, and maintain a professional tone and language in your emails. Take specific steps, such as creating checklists or templates, adopting a proofreading process, and practicing the use of professional language. Set deadlines to establish consistent habits and measure successful achievement by tracking improvements in email quality and feedback from colleagues.

Step-by-step explanation:

Goal 1: Improve Email Planning

Specifically, I will aim to spend more time in the planning stage before sending emails. To achieve this, I will create a checklist or template to guide my email planning process. I will also set aside dedicated time in my schedule to focus on email planning.

I will set a deadline of one week to establish a consistent email planning routine.

I will measure successful achievement by tracking the number of emails sent without thorough planning and monitoring the overall quality and effectiveness of my emails after implementing the new planning process.

Goal 2: Enhance Proofreading of Emails

Specifically, I will ensure that I review my emails more thoroughly before sending them. To achieve this, I will adopt a four-step proofreading process: checking for all pertinent information, using the spelling and grammar check, reviewing for correct word usage, and verifying the recipient's address.

I will set a deadline of two weeks to establish a consistent proofreading routine.

I will measure successful achievement by comparing the number of errors or inconsistencies in my emails before and after implementing the improved proofreading process.

Goal 3: Maintain Professional Tone and Language

Specifically, I will focus on using standard spelling, punctuation, and capitalization to convey professionalism in my emails. I will also follow grammar rules and ensure clear and concise sentences.

I will set a deadline of one month to practice and master the use of professional tone and language in emails.

I will measure successful achievement by soliciting feedback from trusted colleagues or supervisors to assess the overall improvement in the tone and language of my emails.