Who knows the difference between <reply> and <reply all>? (I bet all hands are up right now.) Well, if we all understand the difference, then why do so many of us hit <reply all> to every group e-mail?
Here is a real life recent example (paraphrased to protect the innocent) sent to 15 Board members: “Reminder that our next Board meeting is Friday at 8:00am. I look forward to seeing everyone.” Nice, short, sweet and appropriate reminder. Then comes the onslaught of <reply all> responses: “See you there.” “Thanks.” “Sorry, I can’t make it; I I will be traveling.” So one innocent email became 4 emails …. to 15 people!
STOP…for the love of strengthening your leadership, STOP this madness!
Just hit <reply> if you must respond.
Tip
Not every email warrants a <reply all> response. Please use the power of <reply all> judiciously. Here is a tip from a very effective leader I know who puts the following instructions at the end of group emails when she is seeking input: “Please do not <reply all> . If you have an answer to my question, just reply to me.”
Michael’s Secret Tip
If you want to prevent people from being able to <reply all> when you send a group email, put their names in the bcc line. A person can’t <reply all> if they were bcc’d.