204. Email Tips for Generous Leaders

“Generous leaders treat email as more than a task.”

“Thoughtful replies over quick responses.”

“Clarity and simplicity are key.”

In this episode of R.O.G. Return on Generosity, Shannon Cassidy discusses the often-overlooked aspect of leadership generosity in email communication. She emphasizes that emails should not just be transactional but should foster connection, empathy, and respect. Cassidy shares three key tips for generous email practices: prioritizing thoughtful replies, ensuring clarity and simplicity, and using email as a platform for kindness. These practices not only enhance communication but also build trust and a positive workplace culture.

Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of Bridge Between, Inc. a boutique leadership development firm specializing in generous leadership, behavioral change, executive presence, effective communication, collaborative teamwork, and conflict resolution. She provides Executive Coaching, Facilitation (team sessions, mentoring programs, leadership retreats, executive workshops, mediation services) and Keynote Speaking (conferences, annual events, ceremonies) all custom designed. This is her podcast, R.O.G. Return on Generosity focusing on how to be a corporate generous leader by sharing time, talent and gratitude. 

Shannon combines her keen ability to get to the heart of every matter with a proven track record as a corporate leader. Before founding Bridge Between, Inc. she spent years building profitable businesses and driving innovation and leadership initiatives. This real-world experience formed the bedrock of her success. She equips her clients with the strategies, tools, and inspiration to thrive during organizational change and to lead with vision, purpose, and generosity. 

Shannon has authored several articles and books including Discover Your Inner Strength (2009), The Five Degree Principle: How Small Changes Lead to Big Results (2013), V.I.B.E. A Self-Discovery Journey to Authentic Leadership (2014) and Grounded in Gratitude a one-line-a –day, five-year gratitude journal (2015-2023). Her current efforts focus on the benefits of Generosity at Work.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• Generous leaders prioritize thoughtful replies over quick responses.
• Emails should reflect the value of people’s contributions.
• Clarity and simplicity in emails respect others’ time.
• Formatting emails with headings and bullet points aids understanding.
• Use email to recognize achievements and express gratitude.
• Positive language fosters a supportive communication environment.
• Assume positive intent to avoid misinterpretation in emails.
• Set up calls for complex issues after three email exchanges.
• Generosity in communication builds trust and connection.
• Generosity is a mindset and a leadership strategy.

Resources:

• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ShannonCassidybb 
• Bridge Between, Inc. https://bridgebetween.com
• The Five Degree Principle by Shannon Cassidy
• V.I.B.E. by Shannon Cassidy 
• R.O.G. on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r-o-g-return-on-generosity/id1508207492 
• R.O.G. on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1L9UnWdoiAX8MtRKXjdPY3 
• Video of this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/PNfiBD-2PLI 
• Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/ 
• Free Generosity Quiz https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/ 

Credits: Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 205, Special Guest, Joe Davis.