Ever since I started sending e-mail messages, I have always assumed that when I received a message that didn’t request a response, I didn’t need to send one. Boy, have my eyes been opened. In fact, I actually feel guilty for my inconsiderate action – or should I say, lack of action. 

    Recently, an old high school classmate, Ted, called and asked if I would serve on a committee to help create an endowed scholarship for our old high school. A very worthy cause, but that’s another story. Through this cause, we used e-mail often for communication. At first, I thought Ted was going overboard with his responses. I soon realized he wasn’t. I came to understand that when I send e-mail, I really don’t know if the other person received it. Even if it shows that it was “sent”, I don’t know if the other person got it. The only way I can know for sure is when I receive an acknowledgement from them such as; Got it, OK, Thanks, etc. 
 
    It took me a while, but I finally got the message! I need to use that “reply” button more often. And it’s so easy! 
    As time went on, I realized other people were not responding to my e-mails. I didn’t know if they received them. I wondered if it would make a difference if I did what Ted did. So, I began responding to let the person know I received their message. And you know, it worked! I began getting responses to my messages. 

    As for Ted, he was just being courteous, and being courteous is contagious. I am now doing likewise, and I’m beginning to see others responding with ‘thank you’, ‘got your message’, etc. 

    Thanks, Ted. Whether you realize it or not, you’re paying it forward!

Doug
Contact Author