The Architect’s favorite word: liability
Do you think some people consciously don’t respond to emails so they can’t be held liable for the email’s content?
I do.
Of course, I’m not talking about personal emails. And I’m not this skeptical about everyone I interact with.
But one person I send emails to consistently responds by phone, even when I request an email response.
I understand it’s much easier to respond by phone! It probably takes less time. And believe me, I hate feeling like I am being interrupted by Outlook all day, responding to emails, and searching for information.
But I do need some things in email form. Prices. Delivery Dates. Contract Agreements.
I’m not asking for this information so I can use it to pinpoint blame on someone, I just want a concrete record of the conversation. I don’t want to have to search for scribbled notes, or have to rack my brain to remember a credit that was quoted to me, or the delivery date of a crucial item.
It’s been a long work work. And guess what? I get to work on Saturday too. Yay.
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Today’s Idiom: Skid Row – disreputable part of town, inhabited by derelicts and people “on the skid.”
It’s hard to say exactly how many areas of Chicago could be described as being part of skid row.
Themocracy
Saturday!? That blows. 🙁
I would prefer if everyone just emailed me. I hate answering my phone at work. Not so great since I am a volunteer coordinator. I think I need a new job!
Last week I purposefully emailed someone a question, so that if I ever got in “trouble” for doing something, I would have her email as proof that someone said it was ok to do. But then she called me with her answer and I was so pissed! Thankfully she said she was calling just as she was clicking send to email her answer as well, she just wanted to give a more detailed explanation over the phone.
In my experience, this is another one of those “age things.” The under-40s are almost exclusively e-mail only. The over-50s are almost exclusively phone-only. People in their 40s are hit and miss.
Basically, it comes down to what that person is used to and whether or not they have fully accepted e-mail as the major for of business communication. Your person obviously has not.
I deal with a lot of those people too, but I wouldn’t automatically assume it’s because they don’t want a physical copy of a conversation.
Your mileage may vary, but that’s how it is in my neck of the woods. JMHO. 🙂
sizzle – I wish I had caller ID. Sometimes I just don’t want to be interrupted. But since my office is open… I have to answer the phone or people will get annoyed that it is ringing. Uh oh, are you really thinking of a new job? Full-time apartment manager? Building owner?!
Jenn – That is the exact type of sh*t this person does, only they never send the email, even if they say they will.
ajooja – I think you are right on. My bosses love to talk on the phone. But it’s more than that with this person…
It irritates me as well…people call my phone, I can’t answer because I’m at work…then they say to call them back…they could just send me an email with the information!!
I hate work phone calls, I only want emails unless its something to complicated to put in an email. In my line of work, we put everything in writing. And if some one calls I say, can you send me an email for the file…
The Husband works in an office where they use emails and IMs.
That’s so funny. Because I sometimes feel that way about my friends. Why can’t they just respond to my quick questions via email instead of calling and interrupting me at work. Hahaha. I guess it’s all about perspective, right?!
Bethany – Maybe you could put that in your message on your phone – for people to email you!
Gina (Mannyed) – I wish it was like that for me! Steven suggested I write everything in an email after I get off the phone and send it to the person as a written copy.
Nilsa S. – They must be bored, and would prefer to talk rather than type! Ha ha. 🙂
I have the same happen lots with the e-mail too. I’ll then confirm back with another e-mail confirming the info on the phone.
Where it really saves me is stuff people are bugging me about that I have reasons (risks) not to want to do that, but they keep bringing it up (and saying, “it’s fine, don’t worry about it”). An e-mail to them, mentioning risks that just asks them to reply and confirm they understand and I’ll do it. Usually they just go away at that point….
Gary LaPointe – I’ve been doing the followup email now… it KIND OF works. Sometimes I can’t get a response out of people after I send the email! It’s so weird. But I want to confirm the for the same reasons as you…