Welcome back and I hope this message finds you flourishing! Last week’s Thought was “The Strength of Silence” and about how this gives us space to think, process what we’ve heard, consider our responses, and connect more meaningfully with others. If you missed it, you can catch up here.
Today, let’s turn our attention to another kind of silence that’s becoming more noticeable – the silence of unanswered emails amidst the buzz of our inboxes.
In our fast-paced digital world, it can be disheartening to send out emails and not receive a response. It feels like our messages are disappearing into a void, leaving us wondering if our words were ever read. So, let’s reframe this silence and see it as an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding for both senders and receivers.
For the Receivers:
If you find that you sometimes miss replying to emails, what system do you have in place for managing your responses? A quick acknowledgment like “I’ve received your email and will get back to you shortly” can make a big difference, fostering better communication and respect.
If you plan to reply, be sure to follow through. If the email isn’t relevant to you, forward it to the appropriate person and let the original sender know by copying them on the forwarded email.
For the Senders: Three Perspectives on Mastering the Silence of Unanswered Emails …
Patience and Persistence
Sometimes, silence isn’t a rejection but a call for patience. People are busy, and inboxes are overflowing. Rather than feeling disheartened, use this time to refine your message, ensuring it’s clear and compelling.
How to Apply: Follow up politely after a reasonable period. A gentle reminder can often bring your email back to the top of someone’s busy inbox. For example, “Just circling back on my previous email. I’d love to discuss this further when you have a moment.”
Reflect and Reassess
Unanswered emails give us a chance to reflect on our approach. Are we reaching out to the right person? Is our message aligned with their needs and interests? Use this silence to reassess and improve your strategy.
How to Apply: Take a moment to review your email content. Ensure your message is concise, engaging, and clearly communicates its value. Sometimes a slight tweak can make all the difference.
Cultivate Resilience
Silence teaches us resilience. It’s a reminder that not every effort will be met with immediate success, but persistence and adaptability are key. Embrace the silence as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block.
How to Apply: Maintain a positive mindset. Each unanswered email is not a failure but a part of the journey. Keep refining your approach and reaching out – your persistence will pay off.
Embrace the Balance:
The overwhelm of our inboxes can lead us to distraction while the silence of unanswered emails can be frustrating. Both can be a powerful teacher because they urge us to manage stress through better organisation, practice patience, reassess our methods, and build resilience. By shifting our thinking around emails, we can enhance our communication skills and strengthen our professional relationships.
Remember, silence isn’t the end of the conversation. It’s an invitation to listen more closely, reflect more deeply, and persist with greater determination.
“Email has an ability many channels don’t: creating valuable, personal touches – at scale.”
-David Newman-
[Renowned marketing and business strategist, professional speaker, and author.]
Wishing you a week filled with thoughtful reflections and great conversations!
With warmest wishes
Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!
P.S. Please feel free to share your experiences and insights with me! And if you haven’t booked your complimentary Clarity Session with me yet, click here to book a time that suits you.
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