How can you tailor your emails to creative or innovative colleagues?

1 Know your audience

Before you write an email, think about who you are writing to and what their goals, needs, and interests are. Creative or innovative colleagues may appreciate emails that are clear, concise, and relevant, but also show some personality, curiosity, and appreciation. They may also prefer emails that are visually appealing, use bullet points, images, or emojis, and avoid jargon or formal language. Try to match their tone and style, and use their preferred name or nickname.

2 Focus on the purpose

Every email should have a clear and specific purpose, whether it is to inform, request, persuade, or praise. Creative or innovative colleagues may respond better to emails that are direct, honest, and positive, and that explain the why and how of your message. They may also appreciate emails that invite their input, feedback, or collaboration, and that offer some flexibility or choice. Avoid emails that are vague, ambiguous, or negative, and that impose your opinions or expectations.

4 Be respectful and polite

Email etiquette is important for any professional communication, but especially for creative or innovative colleagues who may have different backgrounds, cultures, or values. You should always be respectful and polite in your emails, and avoid any language or expressions that could be offensive, rude, or insensitive. You should also use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and proofread your email before sending it. You can also show respect and politeness by acknowledging their work, thanking them for their time, and signing off with a friendly or complimentary closing.

6 Review and improve

Finally, you can tailor your emails to creative or innovative colleagues by reviewing and improving your email skills and habits. You can ask for feedback from your recipients, or from a trusted colleague or friend, on how you can make your emails more effective, engaging, and respectful. You can also review your own emails and identify any strengths, weaknesses, or areas for improvement. You can also learn from other examples of good email communication, and adopt some best practices and tips.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?