Annoying Outlook Functions

Have you ever been casually sorting through email during the workday only to get slightly irritated by something about a certain message from one of your colleagues?  Believe me, you’re not the first.  In fact, there are quite a few functions in Outlook that irritate many of the fine citizens of Corporate America.

Without going in to too much detail on specific functionality housed within the friendly confines of Microsoft’s heralded email utility, I will offer a brief reflection on each that you may (or may not) agree with:

  • “High Priority” Flags: These should almost never be used.  Having cut my teeth on a few communications strategies, it’s only reasonable to simply say that any email that is sent has relative importance and priority.  If something is really THAT important, you might want to pick up the phone.
  • Read Receipts: I never, ever send anyone a read receipt.  What’s the point?  Again, perhaps I’m approaching strategic communications a bit too narrow-minded – but when I’m reading emails on the weekend at 5 PM (not sure why I ever do that, but whatever), the last thing I want is Joey from Supply Chain to give me a buzz to say “Hey – just saw that you got my note!”  When I read your email, I will respond in a timely manner if it is required.  If I don’t, then you can feel free to sound the alarm.
  • Reply All: If you are responding to a direct question that someone posed to you (while copying some other individuals), is it really necessary to respond to everyone?  When Tom is giving everyone a brief update on his project status, it’s really not necessary to waste everyone else’s inbox with your note that simply says “Thanks”.
  • Carbon Copy: You don’t need to CC my boss on everyone.  You really don’t.  I promise I can be somewhat productive and sometimes even downright timely in my responses.  People resent people that always have to copy the world or mass quantities of high-value resources in order to feel accomplished.

There are many more functions that can be quite irritable to cube monkeys across the landscape of Corporate America, but I figured I’d share a few of my favorites with you at my buddy’s request.

Shameless plug for optimism: at the end of the day, most of the functions of Outlook are useful and good.  In proper doses.  At proper times.  So please be careful next time you leverage some of the “advanced” capabilities within Outlook.  They can be dangerous and received the wrong way.

Til Next Time,

Michael

Nerds

Earlier this week I stumbled upon a really good response in a Comic Con Interview last year of all places from Wil Wheaton.  I felt compelled to share with you all because I think Will gives some great advice for anyone that chooses to pursue something that may buck the trend or not fit the norm (i.e. kids that like Math and Science when they’re younger).  I was that kid in school, and while I didn’t necessarily take any major criticism or get bullied for it, I am still extremely passionate about letting children choose education tracks that align with Math and Science.  Preach on, Will!

Regardless, here is is; hope you enjoy it!

Til Next Time,

Michael