We need to consider how and why we are using email. Whilst it can be an effective communication method if used well, used poorly, it wastes a lot of unnecessary time. Think before you write, not when you write – remember that a face-to-face conversation is the best form of communication.
Working in schools can be so busy that we don’t have time to improve practises that are inefficient. This makes things harder than they need to be. There are several reasons why: We were shown to do something that way so we’ve always done it that way. We don’t have the time to try something different so we figure, “at least I know this way works”. We don’t think “big picture” by putting a band-aid on something rather than diagnosing the problem and working out a solution. Here are a couple of simple things you can do in email that will save time and reduce frustration.