Communication tips

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A former boss once brought something to my attention that has stuck with me ever since.

One day, while listening to me as I called a client on the phone, he overheard me say, “Please tell Mr. Smith I called.” In my mind, I thought I was pleasant enough with the inclusion of “please”; however, he suggested I was telling the person on the other end of the phone instead of asking him. To be honest, I’d never really thought about it. He continued that I should perhaps rephrase my request to be, “Can you please let Mr. Smith know I called?” I’m saying the same thing, albeit in a nicer way, when I ask instead of tell.

Can you think of any pleasantries to add to the discussion? Perhaps a suggestion about protocol or etiquette.

Feel free to “Like” good suggestions, as I’ll sort the list by the most popular entries.