The Dr. Is In

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

I love this quote. It's from Dr. Seuss.

However, there is something missing that I think is important, which should come after "say what you feel"....and that's "in a kind way."

I don't know if it's a generational thing (evidence it pointing in this direction) but I encounter many people who say what they feel in a completely offensive, insensitive and unkind way.

Sometimes it's not what you say, but how you say it. A person can express their feelings in a way that is kind, or at the very least neutral. It's called tact. It's a skill, to be certain, but everyone can learn it.

And this goes for email also. It seems etiquette has been overthrown by laziness. Greeting, complimentary close, signature. Not including these is a show of disrespect, plain and simple. If you're too lazy to include these in an email to a colleague, manager or stranger, be prepared for a defensive response or none at all.