Before sending that email…take a moment to read it from the receiver's point of view.
Will this email make them feel like they matter more, or matter less?
Does it acknowledge the time and effort they have invested (or are being asked to invest) in this task?
Is it moving their work forward, or holding it up?
Is email the best way to communicate this message?
Could a five-minute phone replace half a dozen emails?
Would walking down the hall or across the street to speak in person strengthen this partnership more than typing a faceless note?
Does this email speak to the receiver's humanity? (Hint: use their name where possible.)
No doubt you’re sometimes overwhelmed by the amount of email you need to get through and you don’t want to spend longer on each one. But once you've asked yourself these questions a few times you'll start sending better emails quicker.
If you were receiving better emails, maybe you’d feel less overwhelmed to begin with. Wouldn’t you rather contribute to a culture of good communication than the alternative?