Other Humans: Hydration - Email Survival Skills: Survival Tips Compatible with Microsoft Outlook 2010 & 2013 (2015)

Email Survival Skills: Survival Tips Compatible with Microsoft Outlook 2010 & 2013 (2015)

Other Humans: Hydration

Live Science says, “You can live 3 minutes without air and 3 hours without shelter in a harsh environment, such as a snow storm. But after 3 days, you’ll need water or you’ll perish.” For your outdoor adventure, pack plenty of water or some kind of water purification tablets or filters. Stay hydrated as you hike.

How does this apply to email? Just as you can’t live without water, you can’t live without other humans. The reason we band together in companies is to share our strengths and expertise so everyone can benefit.

Not only do you share the workload and produce more together, but team members will keep you “hydrated,” meaning they can encourage you, mentor you and at times cover for your limitations.

Encouragement or hydrating others should be a two-way street. Take every opportunity to reassure and cheer others on, covering for their weaknesses whenever possible.

Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s stated, “Support is the boost you can give someone who can help himself but who needs a partner to open a window or push aside a roadblock.”

To hydrate others, use email to:

· Remember birthdays with a “Happy Birthday” wish.

· Reassure others. If your team is struggling to finish a project by the deadline, you might send a stimulating message to them urging optimism that they can finish by the deadline. This message may work: “A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.” ~ Harry S. Truman

· Add an inspirational message to your signature. One of my friends placed this important quote after her signature: "Leadership is based on inspiration, not domination; on cooperation, not intimidation." ~ William Arthur Wood

One more tip about hydration: Keep the water pure. Filter out debris in email conversations because there are always statements that could be taken the wrong way. Give the sender respect and esteem. If you do, hydration will be a true two-way street.