Sometimes the smallest things can make all of the difference when you are a boss, supervisor, administrator, team leader, manager, etc, trying to have the face of credibility but also respect.

One way to keep that respect, is to learn when you need something or you need someone of your team members to respond to you, there is a way to email and then is a way to “Email like a Boss”.

Follow these 9 steps and you will find your emails will have a managerial tone that will reap more respect than in the past.

Step 1

“I took awhile but you can deal.”

So let’s not say this. When you email. I can see the writer starting off with “Sorry for the delay…” but that just means you aren’t meeting your deadlines. Try, “Thank you for your patience… I have completed and attached…”

This shows your took your time and it is correct.

Step 2

“My schedule matters too.”

How many times have you thought this? It can be exasperating I know when your staff or even your physicians so not have respect for your schedule. So you may start an email like, “What works best for you?” Well if it is your schedule too, try this instead: “Could you do ____: _______ on _________? That is best for me”.

Step 3

“Yeah, you’re welcome.”

No one likes a boss who thinks out loud that way. Also, when you say in an email, “No problem, no worries…” that really sounds like it was a problem but I did it anyway. Try, “I am always happy to assist, let me know if you need anything else.”

That should get at least a thank you.

Step 4

“I know what I am doing.”

Of course you do. You have been working there how many years now? So why start an email with, “I think maybe we should….?” That doesn’t say that you know what you are doing. Instead, “It would be best if we ________________…”

Step 5

You have to write an email and “wording this is hard.”

Do not rewrite your email for 40 minutes wasting even more time. Send a quick note, “It would be easier if we discussed this in person. Please come to my office at __________” Remember, you’re the boss.

Step 6

How many times have you wanted to say: “Do you get it?”

Or, “Hopefully that makes sense?”

This only annoys the person on the other end, because what if it doesn’t? Be open to feedback, your email should say, “Let me know if you have any questions or need a clarification.”

Step 7

So, you sent an email days ago, and still haven’t hear and are ready to say, “Where the heck are we on this?” or “Just wanted to check in.” Never say the either but the latter means the staff doesn’t have to be accountable. Your email should be direct and it calls them out on their lack of communication.

“When can I expect an update on this?”

Nothing bothers be more then being ignored and no follow up.

Step 8

Everyone makes mistakes, even the best of us.

Instead of saying, “I made a small error,” or “Ahhh sorry! My bad. Totally missed that,” give credit where credit is due.

“Nice catch! Updated file attached. Thanks for letting me know.” That shows you also respect your staff and their knowledge well and they will keep it to themselves.

People like spreading the negative more than the positive.

Step 9

You have a personal appointment to attend to and your immediate boss is not that flexible.

Instead of, “Could I possibly leave early today,” try this.

If it is important, take control as a boss, “I will need to leave for ___________ at _____:_____. “

Simple as that. But be honest.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you can see with these little tweaks to your email, your approach, and how you come across will not only lend to your credibility, but also to your professionalism.