100 of your Toughest Business Emails: Solved: Plug and Play Ideas from a Seasone

100 of your Toughest Business Emails: Solved

Plug and Play Ideas from a Seasoned Corporate Communications Manager

By Megan Sharma

Copyright 2017 Megan Sharma

Shakespir Edition

Shakespir Edition License Notes

Thank you for downloading this e-book. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Table of Contents

Introduction

How to Use this Book

Press Pause (Questions to Ask Before You Hit ‘Send’)

The Work

Spill It! (Questions)

Survey Says… (Answers or Statements)

Co-Workers

Gripes (Complaints)

All the Feels (Feelings)

About the Author

Other Books by this Author

Connect with Megan Sharma

BONUS: One Last Thing Before You Go

Introduction

Email. We live and breathe it at work. Most of us can’t get away from it. The average office worker receives 121 emails per day.

Our increasingly global economy also means that we work across time zones. When those time zones don’t match up, we often rely on email to get work done.

As a former Corporate Communications Manager for a fast-paced IT consulting company, I know firsthand the power of words to help or hinder.

I spent nearly six years ghost writing for executives and coming up with innumerable ways to say things that people might not like.

This experience bestowed upon me an unexpected gift: the ability to conjure up a tactful way of saying just about anything, usually on the fly.

Yet, most of us in the business world don’t have a Corporate Communications Manager we can run to when we’re not quite sure how to word an email.

That is why I have created this book.

I want to help you smooth over your email language while still making your point.

I want to provide you with an easy reference guide for whenever you’re stumped on what to say.

And, finally, I want to help you avoid some of the inevitable drama that goes hand in hand with business communications.

It’s important to note that much of the language found in this book relies on references and colloquialisms most familiar to American readers. When dealing with an international audience, please consider your reader’s likely familiarity with the language you choose.

With my plug and play templates, you, too, can master even the toughest of business emails.

Let’s dive in!

How to Use this Book

This book is filled with statements and questions for things you WANT to say, and corresponding, tailored choices for what you SHOULD say in your emails.

It is broken into six categories:

The Work

Spill It! (Questions)

Survey Says… (Answers or Statements)

Co-Workers

Gripes (Complaints)

All the Feels (Feelings)

Choose what works best for you. It doesn’t get much easier.

Press Pause

Don’t get ahead of yourself. First, make sure email is truly the best form of communication.

Questions to ask yourself before hitting ‘send’:

Am I angry?

If yes, don’t send

Should this be an in-person conversation?

If yes, don’t send

Should I pick up the phone?

If yes, don’t send

Do I want a written record of this?

If no, don’t send

Have I proofread?

If no, don’t send

What do I want to accomplish?

If you don’t know, don’t send

Am I being fair and giving the benefit of the doubt?

If no, don’t send

Can I handle the consequences of sending this email?

If no, don’t send

How will the reader likely react? How would I feel in his or her shoes?

Use your best judgement on this one

Are you good to go? All right, let’s do this.

The Work

#
p<>{color:#000;}. That’s not my job

This isn’t my area of expertise

I’m not qualified to…

I’m not experienced in…

I’m not the best person to…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. That’s your job

I’ll defer to you on…

You are the expert on…

You’re better suited to…

You’re better positioned to…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. That’s his/her job

He/she is the expert on…

He/she is the right person for…

He/she is best suited to…

He/she has firsthand knowledge of…

He/she is your go-to person for…

He/she is your best bet for…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I will not be checking emails while on vacation

I will not be checking emails while on vacation (and you shouldn’t have to!)

While I am away, I will not have access to email

I will respond to messages upon my return

I look forward to connecting with you when I return

I’ll be back to my usual schedule on…

I will be traveling without email access

In my absence, please reach out to…

During this time, I will be unplugged

I will be happy to assist you when I return

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I no longer do that

I’ve shifted away from…

I’ve transitioned out of…

I’ve handed over…

I now handle…

I now focus on…

X PERSON now handles…

X PERSON has taken over…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I don’t have time

I’m overcommitted

I don’t have the bandwidth

I’m stretched too thin

I’m afraid I’m not available to…

If I had more availability, I would be happy to…

My time is limited

I can’t dedicate the time

I’m pressed for time

I wish I could help

I wish I had more time

My schedule is full

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Here is your 1,000^th reminder

As I mentioned before…

As we discussed previously…

Per my previous email…

Per our recent conversation…

As you know…

Since our last discussion…

As previously agreed…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. We are over budget

We are over budget (you may just need to come out and say it!)

We have passed our budget threshold

We need to expand our budget

We need some breathing room in our budget

We couldn’t keep to the original budget

We haves surpassed our original budget

#
p<>{color:#000;}. We are behind schedule

We are behind schedule (you may not be able to tiptoe around it!)

We have passed our original deadline

We need some breathing room in our schedule

We need some leeway in our schedule

We couldn’t keep to the original schedule

We need to push back the schedule

We need to rethink the schedule

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This schedule is not realistic

This schedule is not feasible

This schedule will be difficult to execute

This schedule is extremely challenging

This schedule is easier said than done

This schedule requires further consideration

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I deserve a promotion

I am ready for the next step in my career

I would like to move forward with my career

How can I reach the next level, professionally?

I would like to discuss my career trajectory

I feel that I’ve proven myself professionally

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I deserve a raise

I feel that my salary should be in line with my level of responsibility

I think it’s time to reevaluate my salary

I would appreciate taking a closer look at my compensation

My compensation is not where I would like it to be

Compared to market average, my compensation lags

My salary is below what I would expect

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I want more challenging work

I would like to take some work off your plate

I am ready for additional responsibility

I would like to tackle some stretch projects

I feel I am ready for a challenge

I would appreciate the opportunity to challenge myself

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I need less challenging work

I’m having difficulty keeping up with my work

I would appreciate some breathing room in my workload

I don’t feel adequately equipped to take this on

Can you help me manage my workload?

My work has been exceptionally challenging as of late

#
p<>{color:#000;}. The project will not be done on time

The project will not be done on time (honesty is often the best policy!)

The project is behind schedule

The project is not tracking to plan

The project has passed its original deadline

We need some breathing room in our project schedule

We need some leeway in our project schedule

We couldn’t keep to the original project schedule

We need to push back the project schedule

We need to rethink the project schedule

#
p<>{color:#000;}. It’s time we hired more help

We could benefit from additional resources

We need additional resources

We need to get more people on board

Our business would grow if we added more people

I could really use a helping hand

#
p<>{color:#000;}. We could do this with less people

We may have overbooked our resources

We’re not benefitting from the size of our team

The size of our team is becoming a liability

There’s not enough work to go around

We could benefit from a leaner team

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I want to try something different

I would like a new challenge

I would like to try my hand at…

I would like to gain some experience with…

I would like to explore…

I would like to further my education in…

I would like to set aside…

I would like to turn my focus to…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I am happy doing exactly what I’m doing

I love my job

My job gives me great satisfaction

I am perfectly content with…

I very much enjoy…

I am happy doing…

I am happy with my role as…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This strategy isn’t working

Our strategy isn’t panning out

Our strategy isn’t generating the expected results

Our strategy isn’t meeting expectations

We may need to rethink our strategy

We need to rework our strategy

We need to take a different approach

We need to reinvent our strategy

I recommend tweaking our strategy

I recommend adjusting our strategy

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This isn’t the right thing to focus on

We should focus our attention elsewhere

I believe we should focus on…

This focus area isn’t delivering

Let’s reevaluate our focus

Let’s be strategic about our focus

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I need help

I could use some support

I need your help coming up with a solution

I could really use your assistance

I would appreciate your input

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I don’t know what to focus on

I don’t know where to put my attention

My attention is divided too many ways

Can you help me focus?

Can you help me prioritize?

What should I put at the top of my list?

#
p<>{color:#000;}. You’re fired

We’re letting you go

Your services are no longer required

We’re going to end our relationship now

This isn’t working out

This isn’t a good fit

It’s not a cultural match

We’re going to part ways

We’ve decided to make a change

Your position is being eliminated

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I’m leaving

I’ve accepted another job offer

I’ve accepted an opportunity elsewhere

I’m pursuing another career opportunity

I have resigned from my position

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I quit

I’m offering my resignation

I will be leaving (COMPANY NAME) as of…

I’m pursuing another opportunity

#
p<>{color:#000;}. You need to do this now

This should be your top priority

This is your number one charter

Add this to the top of your ‘to do’ list

Focus on this and only this

If you do nothing else, do this…

I would like you to…

I am asking you to…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I’m disappointed with the outcome

I expected better results

I expected a better outcome

I had higher hopes

We can do better

Next time I will expect more

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This isn’t working out

This isn’t going as well as I’d hoped

We’re going another direction

It’s time to part ways

It’s time to move on

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I can’t recommend you

I’m not the best person to recommend you

I suggest you reach out to another trusted colleague

I don’t feel able to recommend you

I’m not well-positioned to recommend you

I haven’t gotten to know you well enough to recommend you

I’m not familiar enough with your work to recommend you

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I can’t introduce you

I’m not the best person to introduce you

I suggest you reach out to another colleague for an introduction

I don’t feel able to introduce you

I’m not well-positioned to introduce you

I haven’t gotten to know you well enough to introduce you

I’m not familiar enough with your work to make an introduction

I don’t feel comfortable introducing you

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I think you could use some help with X

How can I help you with X?

Would it be helpful if…?

Would you find it useful to…?

Would you like me to share some resources on…?

I’d be happy to talk with you further about…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I can’t take that on

I wish I could help

I will need to refer you to…

I won’t be able to assist with…

My schedule precludes me from helping with…

My workload precludes me from helping with…

My current charter is…

My exclusive focus is…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I don’t want to take that on

I would prefer to avoid…

I would rather focus on…

My current charter is…

My exclusive focus is…

I wish I could help

I will need to refer you to…

I won’t be able to assist with…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I don’t work for free

My rate is in line with my education and experience

I offer a competitive rate

I would be happy to discuss a payment plan with you

I would be happy to discuss your budget

I offer a payment plan

I will issue an invoice once a month

My hourly rate is…

I would expect a salary of…

I am unable to offer my services pro bono

I am unable to assist clients for free

Let’s agree on the payment terms

#
p<>{color:#000;}. You made a mistake

You made a mistake (be careful with these words!)

You made an error

Your original thinking was wrong

Your original thinking was off

You need to make a correction

You weren’t exactly accurate

Your accuracy was lacking

You weren’t as precise as you normally are

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I need a recommendation

I would be honored if you would recommend me

Can I ask for your recommendation?

Would you mind talking to (X PERSON) about our experiences working together?

I would be most grateful for your recommendation

I would appreciate your recommendation

Would you be so kind as to recommend me?

#
p<>{color:#000;}. You need additional training

I believe you would benefit from additional training

I believe furthering your education in X would be helpful

You may find (X TRAINING) useful

Let’s invest in your education

Let’s invest in your training

Let’s take the time to train you properly

Spill It! (Questions)

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Why aren’t you making a bigger deal?

Is there a reason you’ve not been more vocal?

Is there a reason you haven’t announced this?

Can I expect an announcement on this?

Can I expect communications on this?

Should we make this better known?

When can I expect to hear more on this?

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Is this important to you?

Is this important to you (sometimes you just need to ask!)

Is this a priority?

Is this on your agenda?

Is this on your action list?

Is this a focus area?

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Are you ever going to review this?

When would be a good time to discuss your thoughts on…?

What’s your timeframe for reviewing…?

How is your schedule looking for reviewing…?

May I schedule some time with you to review…?

I look forward to discussing your thoughts on…

When should I expect to receive your feedback on…?

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Where do we stand on this?

Can you provide an update on…?

What is the status of…?

What is the current state of…?

Where are we on…?

What is our progress on…?

What’s new with…?

#
p<>{color:#000;}. You’re not being clear

Would you mind clarifying?

Can you expand on that?

I want to make sure I understand you

Can you be more specific?

Did I hear you say…?

As I understand it…

If I understand correctly…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. When are you going to decide?

When will you make your decision?

When will you consider the options?

Have you weighed the options?

Have you had time to think it over?

What’s your decision timing?

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Why haven’t you decided?

Can I help remove any obstacles to your decision-making?

Is something impeding your decision-making?

What’s getting in the way of your decision-making?

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I don’t understand what you’re saying

I’m not sure I follow you

Can you say that again?

Do you mind repeating yourself?

Can you clarify?

I’m not sure we’re on the same page

Let’s make sure we’re working from the same playbook

#
p<>{color:#000;}. What do you want?

How can I help you?

Can you clarify your goal?

Can you clarify your purpose?

What would you like to accomplish?

How can I be of service?

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I have no context on this

Can you elaborate on the context?

Can you explain the root of this?

Can we start from the beginning?

I feel like I’m missing something

What is the backdrop?

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Where is this coming from?

Can I ask how this all started?

Can you explain where this began?

Can you elaborate on the context?

Did this come from above?

What is the source of all this?

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Why should I do this?

What is the thinking behind this?

What is the benefit?

What is the goal?

How will this benefit us?

Why is this important?

Survey Says… (Answers or Statements)

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I’m not sure

I’m undecided

I’m weighing the pros and cons

I’m thinking it through

I’m strategizing

I’m still working through it

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I don’t know

I’m not familiar with…

I’m in the dark about…

I haven’t the faintest idea about…

I have no idea

I’m not aware of…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I disagree

I disagree (sometimes it’s perfectly appropriate to say!)

I beg to differ

I don’t agree

I’m not so sure about that…

Not necessarily

I don’t see it that way

I see it differently

I have a different perspective

I have an opposing view

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I don’t even know where to begin

I would appreciate your feedback on how to get this started

I would be grateful for your ideas on kicking off

What are your thoughts on the best way to begin?

I’m a little lost on what to tackle first

I wish I knew the best way to get started

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I don’t know the first thing about this

This isn’t in my wheelhouse

This isn’t my area of expertise

I’m not familiar with…

I’m don’t have experience with…

I would need to do further research on…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Your expectations are reasonable

I agree with your expectations

Your expectations make sense to me

Your expectations are right where they should be

You have balanced expectations

You have reasonable expectations

#
p<>{color:#000;}. No, I don’t want any Girl Scout Cookies

I’m already committed to other causes

I’ve already spent my charitable budget for the year

I won’t be able to contribute this year

I wish I could help

I’m on a diet

I don’t eat sugar

My daughter sells Girl Scout Cookies, so I can only buy from her

I’ve already purchased some

You may want to ask (X PERSON) if they are interested

This isn’t the best time for me to support you

#
p<>{color:#000;}. No, I don’t want to support your fundraising efforts

I’m already committed to other causes

I’ve already spent my charitable budget for the year

I won’t be able to contribute this year

I wish I could help

You may want to ask (X PERSON) if they are interested

This isn’t the best time for me to support you

I’m sure it’s an excellent cause, but I won’t be able to contribute

#
p<>{color:#000;}. No, I don’t want to attend your party

I have another commitment

I have a previous engagement

My calendar is already booked

My weekends are reserved for my family

I wish I could make it

I have another party to attend that night

I’m throwing a party that night

Thank you for thinking of me, but…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. No, I don’t want to go to happy hour

I have another commitment

I have a previous engagement

My calendar is already booked

My evenings are reserved for my family

I wish I could make it

I’ll be stuck working

I have another happy hour to attend that night

I’m hosting a happy hour that night

Thank you for thinking of me, but…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. No, I don’t want to go to lunch

I generally work through lunch

I brought a protein bar

I eat lunch at my desk

I already ate

Thank you for thinking of me, but…

I have another commitment

I have a previous engagement

My calendar is already booked

I’ll be stuck working

I already have lunch plans

#
p<>{color:#000;}. No, I don’t want to go to coffee

I’m more of a tea person

I drink my coffee before I come to work

I’m already over-caffeinated

Thank you for thinking of me, but…

I have another commitment

I have a previous engagement

My calendar is already booked

I’ll be stuck working

I already have coffee plans

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I made a mistake

I made a mistake (out with it!)

I made an error

My original thinking was wrong

I need to make a correction

After further thought, I was wrong

I wasn’t exactly accurate

My accuracy was lacking

I wasn’t as precise as I’d like to be

[] Co-Workers

#
p<>{color:#000;}. You should talk to X PERSON

I recommend connecting with…

I suggest you reach out to…

I would be happy to introduce you to…

I will put you in touch with…

X PERSON will be happy to help you with…

It’s my pleasure to recommend X PERSON

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Don’t talk to X PERSON

I don’t recommend contacting X PERSON

I would advise you against reaching out to X PERSON

X PERSON is not the right contact for…

X PERSON is not your best bet for…

X PERSON is better suited for…

I’ll be happy to help you find the appropriate contacts

#
p<>{color:#000;}. He/she doesn’t deserve a promotion

I’m not sure he/she has met the bar

I’m not sure he/she is on par

I’m not sure he/she has met expectations

I’m not sure he/she is ready for a promotion

I’m not sure he/she is prepared to meet rising expectations

I think he/she still has some growing to do

#
p<>{color:#000;}. He/she is difficult to work with

I find (X PERSON) challenging to work with

I haven’t found a working rhythm with (X PERSON)

(X PERSON) and I don’t seem to click

(X PERSON) and I have different working styles

(X PERSON) and I have a different approach to work

(X PERSON) and I have different working philosophies

#
p<>{color:#000;}. He/she doesn’t do a good job

(X PERSON) isn’t as thorough as I would expect

(X PERSON) sometimes misses details

I find myself double-checking (X PERSON’S) work

(X PERSON) may need additional training on…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. He/she is lazy

(X PERSON) doesn’t always give it his/her best

(X PERSON) sometimes takes the easy way out

(X PERSON) falls short of expectations

#
p<>{color:#000;}. He/she is incompetent

(X PERSON) wouldn’t be my first choice for…

I would prefer not to put (X PERSON) in charge of…

(X PERSON) isn’t as strong on…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I wouldn’t hire him/her again

It wasn’t a good fit

It wasn’t a cultural match

We didn’t mesh

It was a one-time thing

Next time I would go another direction

Gripes (Complaints)

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Your expectations are too high

Your expectations are exceptionally high

Your expectations may not be in line with reality

Your expectations are higher than I imagined

Your expectations fall on the high end

Your expectations differ from mine

We may need to lower our expectations

I would have expected less

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Your expectations are too low

Your expectations are rather low

Your expectations may not be in line with reality

Your expectations are lower than I imagined

Your expectations fall on the low end

Your expectations differ from mine

We may need to raise our expectations

I would have expected more

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Your expectations are unreasonable

I’m confused by your expectations

I don’t agree with your expectations

Your expectations don’t make sense to me

Let’s balance our expectations

Let’s be fair with our expectations

Let’s be reasonable with our expectations

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Nobody cares

People aren’t invested in this

People have other priorities

People are mainly focused on…

People aren’t responding to…

Our audience isn’t relating to…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Nobody is listening

Our audience’s attention is elsewhere

Our audience’s focus is elsewhere

Our audience’s priorities are elsewhere

Our audience isn’t engaging

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Over my dead body!

I’d prefer if we didn’t

Let’s think of some alternatives

Let’s brainstorm some ideas

I would rather not

It wouldn’t be my first choice

It’s not my favorite idea

I’m not a huge fan

Let’s take a different direction

#
p<>{color:#000;}. He/she isn’t being clear

I need him/her to clarify…

I need him/her to expand on…

I need to make sure I understand him/her

I need to get more specifics from him/her

I think I heard him/her say…

As I understand it…

If I understand correctly…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Stop hitting ‘reply all’

Please remove me from this conversation

I’m going to bow out of this conversation

Let’s take this conversation offline

The audience for this conversation has become too broad

Please drop me from your ‘to’ list

#
p<>{color:#000;}. You are too slow

We need to focus on speed

We need to increase our speed

We need to make up time

We need to work at a quicker pace

We need to increase our pace

#
p<>{color:#000;}. You are too sloppy

I prefer quality over speed

Quality is of utmost importance

Quality, not quantity

The devil is in the details

The details matter

Mind the details

Take the time to do it right

#
p<>{color:#000;}. You need to pay attention

This requires your attention

Your attention is needed

Give this your full attention

Don’t pass over this

Don’t skim this

#
p<>{color:#000;}. You need to be nicer

Sometimes it’s not what you say, but how you say it

Your colleagues may take this the wrong way

Some may misread your tone

Email doesn’t convey tone

Your language may rub some the wrong way

Your colleagues would appreciate your respect

#
p<>{color:#000;}. You need to be more professional

Let’s focus on professionalism

Let’s remember why we’re here

Let’s hold ourselves to the highest standards

Remember that we are role models

This is a professional environment

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This is not appropriate for the workplace

This would be better discussed away from the office

I’m not sure we should open this can of worms in the office

Let’s talk about this after work

Let’s have this conversation after work

This is NSFW (not suitable for work)

Let’s chat about this at the end of the day

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This is too complicated

This needs to be simplified

Let’s go back to basics

This is too complex

This needs to be pared down

Let’s get to the root of this

This is too process-heavy

This is too cumbersome

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This is too simple

This is a bit elementary-level

This is pared down too much

This is too bare bones

Let’s flesh this out further

Let’s put more meat on this

This is too basic

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This is too expensive

This is beyond our means

This breaks our budget

This is more than we can afford

This isn’t in our budget

We don’t have appropriations for this

We cannot swing it

This breaks the bank

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This is too cheap/poor quality

We should spend money for quality

We should spend in accordance with our expectations

If it looks too good to be true, it probably is

This is poor quality

The cost is not in line with our expectations

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This doesn’t meet our standards

We expected more

We have a higher standard

This falls below our expectations

This is sub-par

This doesn’t hit the mark

This raises a red flag

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This is pointless

This feels a bit redundant

I’m not sure this is necessary

Help me understand why we’re doing this

I’m not sure I understand the point

I don’t understand the bigger picture

What will this help us accomplish?

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This is unnecessary

It’s not necessary to…

We can save time by…

Let’s save ourselves a headache

Let’s save our energy for…

I don’t understand the bigger picture

What will this help us accomplish?

All the Feels (Feelings)

#
p<>{color:#000;}. Stop making such a big deal

Let’s look at the big picture

Let’s take a step back

Let remember that…

Let’s not lose sight of…

Let’s play devil’s advocate

Let’s not lose our perspective on…

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This is where I draw the line

This is my line in the sand

I need to take a hard line on this

I’ve reached my limit

I cannot be flexible on this

I feel strongly about this

I am passionate about this

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I’m stretched too thin

I don’t have the resources I need

I’m being pulled in 100 directions

I’m running on fumes

I’m barely keeping my head above water

My plate is too full

I’m juggling too much

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I’m disappointed in you

I expected more from you

I had higher hopes

You are capable of better

I know you can do better than this

Next time I will expect more

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This is infuriating

This is difficult for me to process

I strongly oppose this

I feel strongly about this

This makes me uncomfortable

This makes me angry

This situation is not ideal

I have a problem with this

I would like to move toward a solution

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This is frustrating

I feel stifled

I feel stuck

I feel frustrated

I feel like my hands are tied

I would like to move toward a solution

This is difficult for me to process

This situation is not ideal

#
p<>{color:#000;}. This is the last straw

I’m not sure how to move past this

This is the breaking point

This may be the final straw

How do we move forward from here?

#
p<>{color:#000;}. I’m offended

I’m taken aback

I’m surprised

I’m stupefied

I’m mortified

I’m humiliated

I don’t appreciate this

I would appreciate an apology

I believe an apology is warranted

I believe an apology is in order

I believe an apology is appropriate

I hope I never hear that again

###

About the Author

Megan Sharma is an author, writing professional, and former Corporate Communications Manager for a fast-paced IT consulting firm in Seattle. In 2015, the same year she moved cross-country (again!) and became a mother, Megan traded her 9:00 to 5:00 for calling the shots in her own writing career. Visit Megan’s web site, http://www.megansharma.com/, to check out her nonfiction book on love and modern medicine, her weekly blog, The Savvy Surgeon’s Wife, and cool freebies for email subscribers. When she isn’t writing (a rare occurrence), Megan enjoys globetrotting with her surgeon hubby and daughter, cooking and eating delicious food, photography, and hitting the local trampoline gym. After spending 30 years on the West Coast, Megan now lives in Central Illinois with her family.

Other Books by this Author

Here is a sneak preview of my nonfiction book on love and modern medicine.

Learn more at: http://www.megansharma.com/my-book.html

When Medicine Meets Holy Matrimony:

A Surgeon’s Wife Tells It Like It Is

Megan Sharma is a surgeon’s wife.

During her husband’s seven years of post-medical school training, while he tackled the dirty work of putting broken faces back together and painstakingly peeling cancer from his patients’ jugular veins, she became his sugar mama and helped pave his path to glory.

Using humor, reflection, keen observation and journalistic research, When Medicine Meets Holy Matrimony: A Surgeon’s Wife Tells It Like It Is peels back the surgical mask to reveal the human being underneath.

From the 10 commandments for pleasing superiors to the conundrum of the 80-hour workweek to wearing two different shoes to work, Sharma delves into the world of modern medicine as experienced by physician trainees and their loved ones.

When medicine meets holy matrimony, anything can happen…

Connect with Megan Sharma

Thank you for reading my book!

I would absolutely love to connect with you.

Online, I write and post about love, parenting, writerly pursuits, and this daring adventure we call life.

Find me and let’s get social!

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MeganNSharma

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authormegansharma

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/megansharma/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/megzsharma/

Blog: http://www.megansharma.com/my-blog

Freebies for email subscribers: http://www.megansharma.com/freestuff.html

Subscribe to weekly email updates: http://eepurl.com/cliM21

Web site: http://www.megansharma.com/

Email me: [email protected]

BONUS: One Last Thing Before You Go

If you found this book useful for your most challenging business emails, make sure you get your hands on the printable reference guide version of this e-book.

I’m giving it away as a FREE GIFT to my lovely email subscribers (who I never pester and update once a week with my latest blog and other news).

If you want in, visit http://www.megansharma.com/freestuff.html for details on this and other goodies just for you, or subscribe directly at http://eepurl.com/cliM21.

Now the book really is over. You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here.

Cheers!

Best,

Megan

---

---