Work email salutation is for 'gentlemen' only
Dear Readers: This week I am running topical "Best Of" columns while I'm on book tour, meeting readers of my memoir, "Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things," which is now out in paperback. I'll be back next week with more answers and advice directed toward a fresh batch of dilemmas. Today's topic concerns issues in the workplace.
Dear Amy: I recently started working for a new company in a pretty heavily male-dominated field.
On certain emails sent to large groups of co-workers, I've noticed that my colleagues address the email to "Gentlemen."
There are clearly at least two females cc'd on most of these emails.
I feel as though the emails are not addressed to me with this greeting; I believe that it is old-fashioned and offensive. Do you have thoughts on how to address this -- without ruffling feathers or coming off the wrong way?
-- No Gentleman
Dear No: When composing a professional group email, the writer needs to imagine the intended recipients gathered together in a conference room.
It is not professional (or polite) to address a group of colleagues -- where at least one is a woman -- as "Gentlemen."
One option for you now is to compose a group email addressed to your colleagues with the salutation: "Ladies."
Ah, but you and I know that you probably cannot do this.
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