Rethinking Email Communication: A Call for AI-Enhanced Humanity

Email, once a game-changer in business communication, has turned into a double-edged sword. It's a tool I rely on heavily as an entrepreneur, yet I've watched it become a source of frustration and miscommunication. As someone who thrives on order, the chaos and neglect often found in email interactions strike a personal chord with me.

We're bombarded with emails daily, leading many to prioritize and respond selectively. This behavior, while understandable, often leaves others feeling ignored – a silent but palpable blow to professional relationships.

Enter generative AI. Tools like ChatGPT and AI assistants could be game-changers. They're not just about keeping your inbox tidy; they’re about bringing back a sense of courtesy and attention that’s been lost in the digital shuffle. Imagine having AI manage the bulk of your emails, freeing you up to focus on responses that truly need your personal touch.

But let’s be real – this isn't about letting AI take the wheel entirely. There's a fine line here. We can't let these tools strip away the personal connection that's crucial in business. AI's great for the heavy lifting, but it can't replace the human understanding and empathy needed in many interactions.

So, what's the solution? A partnership between human and AI. Let AI handle the routine, the repetitive. This frees us up to put our energy into emails that require our unique human touch – the kind of interaction that builds and maintains strong professional relationships.

In essence, integrating generative AI into our email practices offers us a way to balance efficiency with empathy. It’s about using technology not to replace our human touch, but to amplify it. In doing so, we can transform email from a source of stress into a powerful tool for building stronger, more respectful business relationships.

In a nutshell, here's four ways GenAI may help us be better at electronic communication:

1. Automated Responses: AI can draft quick, appropriate responses to common email queries, saving time and reducing the chances of overlooking important emails.
2. Email Summarization: AI tools can summarize lengthy emails, helping you quickly grasp the main points and respond more effectively.
3. Prioritization Assistance: AI can help in sorting and prioritizing emails, ensuring that important messages receive timely attention.
4. Time Management: By handling routine email tasks, AI allows you to focus on more complex communication, improving overall productivity and response quality.