Navigating email communication with colleagues can be tricky, especially when dealing with inflated egos or unnecessary distractions. While direct confrontation might not be ideal, a touch of subtle sarcasm can be surprisingly effective, especially when you end an email.

In this blog, we’ll explore the subtle art of ending emails professionally, even when faced with frustrating colleagues, providing insights on how to navigate these situations gracefully.

How to end an email:

Choose Classic Sign-Offs:

Choose signatures that will never go out of style, like “Best Regards,” “Sincerely,” or “Kind Regards.” These show that you are a professional without leaving any room for doubt.

Embrace Polite Conciseness:

Don’t go on and on at the end of your emails. A simple “thank you” or “appreciate your time” shows respect without starting a conversation that doesn’t need to happen.

Add a professional touch:

You could end your emails with something polite, like “Yours Truly” or “Best Wishes.” These are both classy and casual at the same time.

Incorporate Gratitude:

A strong way to end a text is to say thank you. Sayings like “Thank you for your time” or “I value your opinion” show respect while still being professional.

Leverage neutral language:

Avoid engaging in confrontational behavior in email threads once you have completed your part. “Awaiting your insights” or “looking forward to your feedback” keep a professional tone while quietly letting the person know they need to give a focused answer.

Do not just end an email. Navigating Cocky Colleagues

• Maintain Poise:

When dealing with cocky coworkers, maintain your composure. Choose sign-offs that reflect your professionalism, irrespective of their attitude.

• Choose Positivity:

Opt for positive and optimistic sign-offs like “Best Wishes” or “Looking forward to future collaborations.” This counters negativity and keeps interactions constructive.

• Stay Focused:

Direct the conversation back to the subject matter. A polite “appreciate your thoughts on this matter” signals your commitment to the task at hand.

• Use formal language.

In the face of arrogance, deploy more formal language. Sign-offs like “Yours Truly” or “Sincerely” can subtly remind your colleague of the professional context.

• Address concerns tactfully:

If necessary, address concerns tactfully. A diplomatic “I value your input and look forward to resolving any concerns” asserts your commitment without escalating tensions.

Examples of Subtle Sarcasm when ending an email:

• “Thanks for the detailed update. I’m sure everyone will be eager to read all five pages.”
• “I appreciate your enthusiasm, but perhaps we can discuss this further in a meeting instead of a lengthy email chain.”
• “I’m glad you’re so passionate about this project. I’m sure your tireless efforts will be duly noted.”

Tip: Keep in mind that humour is not always the best way to handle things. It’s best to only use it when you’re sure that the person you’re talking to will understand what you mean.

Being able to write professional endings is a skill that can help you handle tough email threads with style. Using the right words is important for clear communication, whether you’re dealing with annoying coworkers or subtly showing sarcasm. Remember that being professional is very important, even when things get frustrating.