Electronic communication - Professionalism

• Yes, grammar and punctuation DO count.
  • Use spellcheck. You are presenting yourself and your organization; do so in a manner that shows care.
• Be accountable.
• If the typo was yours, own up to it. If you pass on information that later turns out to be inaccurate, claim responsibility for the error. In the long run people will respect honesty more than attempts to blame other people or departments.
• Emoticons (things like ;) or :( ) are usually not appropriate in professional electronic communication.
• Ever seen a memorandum with a smiley?
• Check sources - before you forward a message.
• Get permission before forwarding a message from someone else.
• Give credit where it is due.
• Reply in a timely manner.

This document last reviewed November 8, 2004.