Have you ever have an argument escalate into a shouting match?  Past issues come up and suddenly everything under the kitchen sink is in the mix.  It becomes hard to stay focused and get anything accomplished once this has occurred.  Emails can have the same outcome. 

When we have conflicts, especially at work, we should not try to resolve them over email or texting.  It is too easy for emails to be misinterpreted, come across as too harsh, or to say the wrong thing.  Relationships with your employees are very important and are best built through personal conversation – preferably face to face. 

Email is a wonderful tool, and can help to make our work lives much easier.  However, some issues are best handled in a more personal manner.  If a sensitive issue is raised in an email – either directly to you, or between people on your staff – respond that you would like to take the discussion out of email and set up a meeting time or a phone call with the appropriate parties.  It may not be the fastest method, but it will be most effective in the long run. 

Is there a conversation you should be having in person today?