Ross' Rules: Communication

While it is rare that I communicate directly with those who serve me, there are those circumstances in which communication through proxy will not suffice. In such extreme instances direct communique is vital. However, while many make the mistake of engaging in open vis a vis dialog with their charges I find communicating via electronic mail (or e-mail) the most pain-free and direct.

I love e-mail. I love it for its ruthless efficiency. More so, I love it for its ambiguity, because while Shakspeare and Rand were capable of injecting pathos into their writing, those of us in the business world know that emotion has no place in communication. And there is no better way to put the fear of God into one's staff than through the dissemination of an emotionless and pointed e-mail who's tone is open for interpretation. After all, a little paranoia goes a long, long way.