Permanent Record

Chapter 5 Critical Thinking Blog

Discuss the ramifications of the following statement: Once a memo or any other document leaves your hands, you have essentially published it.

“Don’t send anything you wouldn’t want published.” Emails are just like telephone calls or in person conversation. Email creates a permanent record that does not go away even when deleted. Every message is a corporate communication that can be used against you or your employer. Don’t write anything that you wouldn’t want your boss, your family, or a judge to read. (110)

We communicate through email 90% of the time for documentation purposes.  Any type of request requires an email for documentation of request and approval. We don’t have a clock in system so we require lots of documentation supporting our work day. We use emails to clock in and out, leave requests, following up, approval letters, sending memorandums, inquiries, and conversation in the workplace. It is important to proofread what you send because once it is sent, it is in the reader’s hands and it is a permanent record.

Deadline

Chapter 4 Critical Thinking

Your deadline is due, but your document needs proofreading. Should you spend the time necessary to proofread and miss the deadline?

I would ask my supervisor if I could extend the deadline to proofread the document. It’s very important to proofread documents before submission. I’m sure the employer wouldn’t want the document with errors and would probably proofread it also. I would spend the time necessary proofreading the document. I would also submit it to my supervisor and ask them to take a second look and ask them for their input for the document. I wouldn’t want to miss the deadline but I also wouldn’t want to submit a document with errors so I would probably ask my supervisor for an input or ideas for the document.

Short and Simple

Chapter 3 Critical Thinking

Why are short sentences and short paragraphs appropriate for business communication?

In business communication, we communicate through email, business letters, text messages, and verbal communication. People prefer short concise sentences and short paragraphs that state clearly what the main points are.
Where I work, we communicate through email 90% of the time. I have lots of email correspondence and would like to get through to every email. I like to read direct and to the point responses that answer my questions. Some of my coworkers like to compose long, detailed, and wordy emails. Some of my other coworkers don't answer the question I'm asking or give me a different answer. People are busy replying to other colleagues and would like to get through to everyone.
Short, direct, concise sentences and short paragraphs are appropriate and preferred in business communications over long wordy emails. You can state your point in less than 3 sentences instead of long detailed paragraphs.

Short and Direct Messages

Chapter 2 Blog-Critical Thinking pg. 45

Why do you think employers prefer messages that are not written like high school and college essays?

Time is money. I think employers prefer short and direct messages that state a clear message instead of a long essay.  You can state your message in just a few sentences that is clear and concise rather than explaining everything in detail and getting to the point at the end of the essay.  Employers don’t have the time to sit through long messages/emails just to get to the point at the very end of a long message. In my work place, we communicate mostly through emails constantly and need to respond to emails promptly. I usually read through emails and search for the main points and reply answering the questions. I don’t have the time to compose long emails. We work in a fast pace work and we are expected to keep up through quick correspondence that is clear and to the point.