Booher BanterBusiness Communication Consultant

Power plays occur often in meetings:  The head honcho strolls in late, keeping everyone waiting.  Or, she has the last word before a dramatic exit, leaving everyone scurrying to carry out the last command.  Have an argument at home, and the same dynamic happens. He grabs his coat and exits with a terse, "I’m going to Atlanta." Done. Gone. So there.

The same dynamic happens in email conversations when one writer stops responding.  The implication is rejection:  Done. Gone. I’ve more important things to do than email you about silly little matters like this.  Why don’t you get on with your life and leave me alone?

On the other hand, you can feel a little silly carrying on an email conversation like this:

"Our proposal to Universal is due on Friday.  Please let me know when you’ve submitted it."

—————-

"I sent it out last Tuesday."

—————-

"Good. I’m hoping they make a decision before I leave for vacation next week."

—————-

"Yes, me too."

—————-

"Please copy me on any further correspondence with their proposal team."

—————-

"Will do. Sure thing."

—————-

"Thank you."

—————-

"Welcome."

So, when do you blink?  What’s the fine line between an exchange like the one above (that seems to suggest that you have way too much time on your hands) and the situation of not responding, implying that you’re bored and beyond their point of interest? 

Here are three quick tips to handle such a dilemma: 

1. If the message is positive, assume all is well.  If the message context is negative, spend the extra few seconds to reply and spare an offense.   
2. Reduce the length of your response.  A single word or phrase response implies "So long, I’m signing off now."   
3. Repeat the action—yours or theirs.  You’re implying that either of you should "jump right on it" and have no further time to email.

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