Back to the Basics: Communication and Respect

As some of you know, a bucket list goal of mine has been to get my 2nd master's degree. The first was in HR and Training, practical to the trade. The second one will be done after two more classes at EIU. This degree is in English with a focus on Composition and Rhetoric. My enjoyment of reading and writing has been part of hobby and work life, and this is my way of doing something I love and making a special stamp in the goals passport book. And, in this semester's class, I am finding the professional application in a special way.

It is a simple graduate course about grammar and communication. In reality, it's a study of how we write and how it impacts our audience. It's about getting back to the basics of giving each other the time of day and respect to write in a way attentive to the person / audience we are addressing. I think another name for this course could be A Return to Communicating with Respect. It's all about influence and taking the time to care about how we represent ourselves, our ideas and how we impact others.

My favorite part so far is the simple but very much expected rules for our emails. We have some basic rules. First, we need to have simple and clear subject lines. Second, we need to actually take the time to address one another in a greeting. Third, we need to show respect in how we speak in the written form. Fourth, we need to be professionally succinct. Fifth, we need to actually use breaks to show organization and help people understand our content. Sixth, we need to give the decency of a basic edit and proofread. Seventh, we need to have emails avoid text like abbreviations. And the final and favorite rule of mine… we are asked to actually have something polite at the end (maybe a have a great day or a sincerely or thank you for your time, etc...).

Call me old school, but this sort of kindness and attention would help so much in respect in the workplace! In an increasingly short and rude and virtual world, let’s try to make a difference with a little customization and kindness in words to those around us. People are worth it! And the truth is those special emails with a little special word or two that is intended to make me smile, actually make my day sometimes!

#respect #communication #professionalism #makeadifference