The Corrosive Nature of Mean Emails.

It’s incredible some of the horrible things people say via email, and lawyers are some of the worst.





But when a work colleague attacks another colleague and then copies other staff people on an email, it is generally viewed as highly unprofessional and inappropriate behavior. This action can have several negative consequences:

1. Damage to professional relationships: Attacking a colleague in a public forum like an email can severely damage professional relationships. It creates a hostile and confrontational environment, making it difficult for colleagues to work together effectively.

2. Erosion of trust and teamwork: Such behavior erodes trust among team members and undermines the spirit of collaboration. It creates a sense of fear and insecurity, making it challenging for colleagues to trust and rely on each other.

3. Negative impact on morale: Witnessing or being involved in such an incident can have a significant negative impact on team morale. It creates a toxic work environment where employees may feel anxious, stressed, or demotivated.

4. Damage to reputation: The colleague who initiates the attack risks damaging their own professional reputation. It reflects poorly on their ability to handle conflicts or work well with others, which can have long-term consequences for their career growth.

5. Potential escalation of conflicts: Copying other staff people on the email can escalate the conflict and involve more individuals in the issue. This can lead to further misunderstandings, conflicts, or even a breakdown in team dynamics.


In most professional settings, it is expected that conflicts or disagreements be addressed privately and respectfully, through appropriate channels such as one-on-one conversations or discussions with supervisors or HR. Attacking a colleague and copying others on an email is generally seen as an inappropriate and counterproductive way to handle workplace conflicts.