Email Etiquette: Read This Before You Hit 'Send'

Now, collegial bonding is of paramount importance whenever communications are critical (and when aren't they?). So if email is all you have, then for business' sake use it as well as you can, keeping the exchanges as relevant, clean, amusing and polite as possible.

But far better to exchange double-entendres in person, via phone, VoIP like Skype or video phone links like iChat. The more personal communication you get, both back and forth, the better you'll understand each other.

Furthermore, any complex changes in schedule or budget, disclosure of critical information or some assignment delegations can be minefields for email communication. That's without even mentioning apologies to smooth over a mistake, unskillful speech or other interpersonal problem.

These tasks need to be conducted with more delicacy than the blunt instrument of a memo (even an electronic one) can supply. At the very least, follow up questionable emails with immediate phone calls so that any issues can be answered in real time, with tone and context in place.

When a call isn't enough, use the time you've saved via electronic communications to invest a little chronological capital in a face-to-face meeting. It may seem like a waste of time, but in the long run it's better than getting into a full-blown conflict.

Speaking of serious blunders, beware email's strong potential for inappropriate use, and even confidentiality issues. Because the goal of business etiquette is to set people at ease, you must never write anything in email which you would not want to see on the front page of cnn.com.

Include yourself here, both as author and subject. If you can conceive a time or place that such a disclosure would make you or anyone else uncomfortable, do not hit the send button. Read it over, editing as necessary to turn the tone professional, or else call or go see your colleague, to make sure your meaning is truly clear and appropriate.