Recall it.
Some e-mail programs allow you to “recall” a message you sent, giving you the option of deleting or replacing it. This feature only works if the recipient is also using the same brand of software and if the recipient is on your local area network. In the Sent Items folder, open the e-mail and click “Recall This Message” on the Tools menu (or Actions menu, depending on which software you have). Follow the instructions.
Retract it.
Several free software programs or add-ins allow you to “retract” (delete) an e-mail before it is read. Instead of sending the actual message, these programs send the recipient a link to a website that stores your sent e-mail, enabling you to send a “delete” command before the recipient opens the message. If you tend to get angry and impulsive, consider buying such a program.
Delete the message from the recipient’s computer.
As soon as you realize your mistake, call the recipient and send him on a fool’s errand, or have the recipient paged to another area. Go to his desk. Kneel so you are not easily visible. Open his e-mail program and delete the message. Check the “trash” mailbox to make sure it was fully deleted and not just moved. Delete it permanently.
Claim poor spelling or blame the automatic spell checker.
Insist to the recipient that your message isn’t what you meant to say. Explain that the bad language was a typo, or that it was a typo that the automatic spell checker changed into another, unintended word.
Claim that someone else sent the e-mail from your machine.
Blame computers generally.
Explain that a moment’s frustration was blown way out of proportion because computers make it so easy to vent and send. Claim that before computer technology and e-mail, this never would have happened.
Be Aware
• It is best to queue outgoing e-mail in your outbox rather than send it immediately. This gives you the opportunity to pause and reflect on your wording, and then change or delete the message before it is sent.
• One e-mail program offers a “Mood Watch” function that monitors your typing and alerts you if a message is approaching “flame” status.
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Al momento de tomar la decisi
December 12th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Thank you for the great post!