Risks of e-mail at work

By Tania Ngima

A department head in a certain sitcom discovers that her boss has made a decision she does not agree with. In a burst of fury, she types a long rude e-mail telling him exactly what she thinks of his actions and leaves it in draft while she goes for lunch. Another colleague seeing this as the perfect way to orchestrate her downfall sends the e-mail, not only to the boss but all concerned parties. Drama ensues, resulting, surprisingly, in a promotion of the department head in what is now being seen as a publicity stunt.