Great advice. I know that the same e-mail or other written communication can be intepreted differently by different people, based on the mood they're in or the relationship they currently have with the individual who did the writing. Best to speak directly with the person.

Like a lot of groups, we only meet once a month, so we do a lot of the interim work through email. This has it's benefits & disadvantages. Not everyone in the group has given us their email address. (althought those who regularly come to the meetings have.) With busy and conflicting schedules, it makes it really easy for us to keep in contact & get stuff done. But, if there were ever a problem or a sticky issue, I think it is kinda sneaky to use email to work it out. Someone wise once told me, "Never do anything over the phone that you can do in person." I think this applies to email as well. Although it can be uncomfortable to confront someone in person, isn't it really much more straightfoward & respectful? Also, the phrase "Never put anything in writing" comes to mind. (Cover your ... - that one is from my Dad! [img]smile.gif[/img] )

emails are for data transmission only, in my book - meetings, events, facts.

opining and or trying to resolve issues, by emial, will inadvertently get your email fast forwarded to people you least expected, including sometimes people who misterpret it, etc.

And make sure you send it to the person it's to and not who it's about. Although that is another effective way to open dialog......

Seriously, you make an excellent point ademom74. As hard as it is to talk to the person, it's the best way. email has to be just about the worst way.

I would also offer that when you want to pass something by "the board", use an email distribution list of ALL your officers. Funny how people look to see who else is copied on an email and draw conclusions. If you pick and choose certain officers, you might unintentionally send the message that they are more important than those who weren't included in the dist list. Better yet, when discussing a real issue or making a real group decision, do it voice-to-voice.

I am not really looking for advise here, just offering a general suggestion to all those who hold executive board and chairpeople positions.

When you need to confront/speak strongly to one of your volunteers DON"T use e-mail to do it. Pick up the phone and get a dialog going. Most people don't know how to write effectively, especially when they are angry.

I pride myself on having a thick skin and being immune to the slings and arrows but right now my panties are in a bunch due to poorly worded e-mail.

Food for thought.