Handling disagreements at work may be difficult, particularly when emotions are running high. Luckily, there are tactful and professional ways to make your point without endangering your work, especially if face-to-face discussion is not an option.
Here are eight terms you can incorporate into an email to set limits while remaining professional. How many of these do YOU find yourself using?
1. ‘As per my last email…’
This expression serves as a courteous yet firm reminder of previously discussed facts. It’s ideal for those colleagues who often conveniently “forget” crucial information or requests.
2. ‘To reiterate…’
This phrase often indicates that an issue has already been addressed, or a problem has already been identified and does not require any additional explanation.
Also useful for emphatic highlighting of a point that has already been made.
3. ‘[Name] has been CC’d’
Including a supervisor or other pertinent person in an email guarantees accountability and openness. The implication is subtle but clear: the issue is serious and needs attention.
4. ‘Thank you for your input’
This expression maintains objectivity in conversations while acknowledging the viewpoint of others. It can be helpful when you want to finish a conversation without engaging further.
5. ‘As a reminder…’
Gentler in tone compared to “To reiterate…”, this is useful for re-highlighting deadlines, policies, or agreements. It is a professional way of referring to information that has previously been conveyed.
6. ‘With due respect…’
This phrase allows you to present a counterargument or expression of dissent in a considerate way while seeming polite.
7. ‘Going forward’
Usually used to wrap up conversations and set a new course or expectation.
8. ‘Best regards’
This is a typical but effective closing to an email that, in most situations, subtly conveys irritation or disappointment while remaining wholly professional.
This article was originally written by Anisa Aznan for jobstore.com, an online job site that specialises in providing jobseekers with the latest job opportunities by matching talented individuals with reputable companies in Malaysia. Find your dream job with over 40,000 job vacancies in Malaysia.
Read more articles from Jobstore here.