Writeaway IM Tips

Is IM the best choice for responding to your Writeaway emails? Following are considerations for each.

Diana's Emails

You may want to avoid discussing serious issues over IM. Because IM is perceived a less formal communication, sending Diana an IM may communicate to her that her concerns aren’t important. What is a better medium for this interaction?

Ian's Emails

For Ian’s request, you probably wouldn’t start a dialog with him, so the interactivity of IM is not necessary. Also, for people senior to you, you may want to avoid using IM unless they initiate the interaction, or you’re sure that IMing is acceptable to them. Otherwise, IM may be perceived as too informal.

Janet's Emails

Even if Janet is online, as a senior-level manager, she may not want to get into an IM exchange with you. Stick to email for this—it’s best to respond in kind, particularly for people senior to you in the organization.

Jay's Emails

Good choice! You could IM Jay about his workload and/or the ADA information; both probably would be quick discussions.

Margaret's Emails

It’s better to stick to email for Margaret’s two requests: an updated bio and your vacation schedule. Although enterprise (corporate) IM systems typically let users save messages, email is still seen as an easier medium for saving documents that may be referenced later.

Ron's "Confidential" Email

Good choice! IM is good for quick interactions, like setting up meetings. Just avoid discussing the harassment claim over IM or email—both can wind up in court. Stick to the meeting time for this IM.

Ron's Email re: Candidate

Good choice! You might try IMing Ron about Marc’s salary request. This could be a short interaction to get Ron’s opinion. If the discussion gets too complicated, you can always finish up by phone.

Sis's Emails

Be careful about personal IMing at work. Do you really want Sis to IM you in addition to sending 3-4 emails a day?