If you aren’t careful, you may come across as less sincere because your writing doesn’t translate your intent. Here’s how to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Thanks for sharing this Wes. I will work on using this one extra line method. Coworkers that I perceive to be sincere are good listeners. They don’t seem to be in a hurry when listening. They make me feel that what I’m expressing matters. They don’t jump to conclusions, but want to understand the full context. They read between the lines, and are able to see not only what is said but what is not said.
This method reminds me of writing music. Making sure the transitions are not too jarring. There is an offness to a soft piano line immediately followed by a blaring trumpet.
When I first read the title to this post I found myself avoiding reading the rest…it was interesting that the idea of ‘instantly sound more sincere’ to me came across as inauthentic…but just as you describe I trust you, I know your work is about giving people really useful tools to strengthen relationships authentically, so when I finally came back to read this (now) of course I could see all the value you provided. 🙏When I worked at McKinsey we were taught a version of this..and the simplest way then was to start with courtesy/politeness eg Hello, hope this finds you well or thanks for your email…I appreciate the second example you offered acknowledging the issue and especially ending with a thank you. So, thank you Wes for consistently sharing awesome tips!
Thanks for sharing this, Wes. I think it’s a good idea to show sincere in context of email. I like the way you demonstrated things clearly in a detailed way.
I want to add something to this is it can be done easily with AI to create a sincere email, so not to much worry about it.
Another thing is i find this helpful when you mention:
“Remember: The next time someone expresses their frustration to you, don’t be too quick to move on.
If you want to make them feel seen and heard, add one extra line to expand on what they told you and demonstrate that you really hear them.”
I think the method of ‘one extra line’ can also be helpful in the context of counselling and community services field when talking to clients. As when they express their frustration, one extra line (could be one extra open-question) to expand on their feelings, emotion of what they told you, can definitely show some sincere.
Clear, helpful, easy to remember. I immediately thought of examples in my own life I appreciated, times I’ve done it (often, with customers where I’m being careful about language) and times I haven’t (teammates or friends).
The part about being warm in person and cold in writing really resonated.
Thanks for that! Small things but come with big impact. Nowadays, I see a similar gesture in messages to postpartum mom's- "hey mama, you are doing such a great job. I know how overwhelming the time is..."
Great post. As a touchy-feely HR type I find short and to the point emails rather blunt.
Thanks for sharing this Wes. I will work on using this one extra line method. Coworkers that I perceive to be sincere are good listeners. They don’t seem to be in a hurry when listening. They make me feel that what I’m expressing matters. They don’t jump to conclusions, but want to understand the full context. They read between the lines, and are able to see not only what is said but what is not said.
This method reminds me of writing music. Making sure the transitions are not too jarring. There is an offness to a soft piano line immediately followed by a blaring trumpet.
Looking forward to your next post!
When I first read the title to this post I found myself avoiding reading the rest…it was interesting that the idea of ‘instantly sound more sincere’ to me came across as inauthentic…but just as you describe I trust you, I know your work is about giving people really useful tools to strengthen relationships authentically, so when I finally came back to read this (now) of course I could see all the value you provided. 🙏When I worked at McKinsey we were taught a version of this..and the simplest way then was to start with courtesy/politeness eg Hello, hope this finds you well or thanks for your email…I appreciate the second example you offered acknowledging the issue and especially ending with a thank you. So, thank you Wes for consistently sharing awesome tips!
Thanks for sharing this, Wes. I think it’s a good idea to show sincere in context of email. I like the way you demonstrated things clearly in a detailed way.
I want to add something to this is it can be done easily with AI to create a sincere email, so not to much worry about it.
Another thing is i find this helpful when you mention:
“Remember: The next time someone expresses their frustration to you, don’t be too quick to move on.
If you want to make them feel seen and heard, add one extra line to expand on what they told you and demonstrate that you really hear them.”
I think the method of ‘one extra line’ can also be helpful in the context of counselling and community services field when talking to clients. As when they express their frustration, one extra line (could be one extra open-question) to expand on their feelings, emotion of what they told you, can definitely show some sincere.
Clear, helpful, easy to remember. I immediately thought of examples in my own life I appreciated, times I’ve done it (often, with customers where I’m being careful about language) and times I haven’t (teammates or friends).
The part about being warm in person and cold in writing really resonated.
Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks for that! Small things but come with big impact. Nowadays, I see a similar gesture in messages to postpartum mom's- "hey mama, you are doing such a great job. I know how overwhelming the time is..."