It’s amazing that people who work in authoritative positions lack communication skills. I was rudely reminded of this in a recent email.

We were required to take an online ethics training asssessment as an employee of a state college. Of course, we  all get  busy and forget to abide by what is known as a “rule.” I admit, upon first review, I was a little perturbed by another test that I, as a faculty member, would be required to take. Bah humbug. But I took it anyway.

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To my surprise, it was not submitted so I received a note via email and a phone call. The phone call was pleasant, of course, but the email was passive aggressive and unprofessional.  This was not the first offense by the offendee either.

We are ALL adults as faculty and staff. I am not interested in an email that is aggressive in tone and has exclamation marks. My first initial thought  was to react. But I simply said, this was not the time or place, nor the right battle. It was a mass email to all faculty who failed to take the test in time and a reminder to do so immediately. I proceeded to retake the darn test, sent an email indicating that I had attempted, prior to this rude email, to take it, and moved on.

I held my my “deep-deep down diva,” at bay thankfully.  Like my Mom always tells me “you gotta put them in their place but in a nice way.” I have no problem doing this as my true friends will tell you.

All I can say is, watch how you convey a message in an email, voicemail, etc., especially when representing an institution/organization in an authoritative role or any role for that matter. As faculty, we look to our superiors for support, encouragement, and respect.

Air Kisses,

Professor Diva Cali

P.S. Tell me about a time when you were upset about an agressive email and what you did to keep your “diva cool.” Leave a comment.