The end of a fun chapter in my life, the Evolve Law entity is now officially shut down. The bank accounts are closed and the info email address was turned off last Friday. There is still content on the website, but just until later this summer, when it’s all finally moved over to Evolve the Law.
For almost three years, I checked the Evolve Law info email on a regular basis, multiple times per day. It was shut down with nothing in the inbox, all the messages returned. And, that approach is also how I run my email at Traklight. My goal is to answer all emails within 24 hours. Those replies may only be to say that I will get back to you, but I will send a reply (unless I am out of the office). And I always put an out-of-office message on to manage others’ expectations of me.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that the zero-inbox principle is for everyone. Nor is it the ultimate in “how to” run your business. My point is that it is unprofessional and rude to just ignore emails. By the way, I am not referring to spam emails and I recognize that things happen to prevent communication. However, there are people in my work life that just never return emails, and some are even proud of it! It’s professional ghosting.
Further, my own children are millennials — so I am Generation X along with many of my colleagues — but I don’t think people can hide behind a generational label. Rude is rude, no matter the age. Seriously, how long can it take to just write back and say that you are slammed but you will get back to me? Or even a quick text to say that you are busy? And when it has to do with a request, just say no. A fast negative response is better than waiting for weeks. Avoiding issues or conflicts by just never returning an email is not professional.
On a related note, it’s easier to be nice than rude. Take the time to clarify the situation. The shoot first and ask questions later approach can very often derail communication and is an outdated style.
Finally, this brings me to something that has stayed with me since I heard it at a conference about 10 years ago. Sallie Krawcheck of Ellevate Network explained that you can always get another job, but you only have one reputation. Whether it’s ghosting because you do not have the time or due to fear of conflict, you are branded as unprofessional or even untrustworthy. That type of reputation is hard to shake and today, the word spreads very quickly. #onwards
Mary E. Juetten
Mary E. Juetten J.D. lives on the West Coast and is both an American and Canadian professional accountant. Mary is passionate about metrics that matter and access to justice. She founded Traklight and Evolve Law and consults as an Access Advocate for LegalShield. She is Of Counsel with Nimbus Legal email at [email protected] or on Twitter: @maryjuetten.
