Email tone clashes between my Boomer boss and Gen Z intern? Solved with this quick template.

Using a mix of polite openings and direct lists stopped the confusion and cut down on reply-all fights.

4 comments

4 Comments

Yeah, the pressure to reply fast just flattens everything out into lists. It's not even about age anymore, it's just the new normal for getting things done.

lucasw571mo ago

What gets me is how this isn't just a boss/young intern thing anymore. I've seen this same email clash happen between coworkers only five years apart. The real shift is that quick, list-based replies are becoming the default for everyone under pressure, not just Gen Z. My older teammate now expects it because it saves time.

keith_bennett1mo ago

Man, this hits close to home. I've caught myself sending emails that are just bullet points, and I'm supposed to be the one who knows better. Like @marydavis said, we blamed texting, but now it's all about being quick. The pressure to reply fast makes everyone default to lists, even if it feels rude. My own boss now prefers it, so I guess we're all adapting.

marydavis1mo ago

Always hear how the younger crowd writes poorly. Used to be texting ruined email, now it's lists. Doubt it matters much either way.