Responding to Email blunder (not mine)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would reply to the email with something like:

Hi _______,
Presumably you meant to forward this, rather than send it to me? Just to clarify, although my internal title is Director, my external title is VP, and that's why it's included in my signature line. Glad I could provide some amusement for you, though!

Best,
OP

No. Don't do this.

[Anonymous]

I understand how you would feel embarrassed. Maybe just approach her and ask which title to use.

[Anonymous]

Is this a much-beloved secretary, or a woman who's not well-liked but somehow untouchable?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's no way I'd go to your boss. I would do something like the PPs proposed: reply to her and ask her why you shouldn't use your external title in your signature. That keeps it between the two of you...and she'll always know that you knew she was a complete asshole and you kept it quiet. Leverage like that can be valuable.

+1. This is the gracious approach. Who knows, you might learn something from her too.

[Anonymous]

Just ask her with a fake mea culpa - "sorry, I'm new, is this not the way it's supposed to work?" She'll feel stupid that she accidentally wrote you, and you won't look angry and crazy (I'd be totally pissed by the way, though I don't get the idea of internal vs external titles?)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would reply to the email with something like:

Hi _______,
Presumably you meant to forward this, rather than send it to me? Just to clarify, although my internal title is Director, my external title is VP, and that's why it's included in my signature line. Glad I could provide some amusement for you, though!

Best,
OP

No. Don't do this.

Absolutely not. This person works for the boss, PP.

[Anonymous]

I would absolutely NOT "ask" the secretary which title to use, as presumably it is not her decision or call as to what it would be. This gives her more power than she needs.

I would quietly check with a colleague about company expectations on use of internal/external titles (which, btw, I've never heard of either).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would reply to the email with something like:

Hi _______,
Presumably you meant to forward this, rather than send it to me? Just to clarify, although my internal title is Director, my external title is VP, and that's why it's included in my signature line. Glad I could provide some amusement for you, though!

Best,
OP

No. Don't do this.

I would do it with the amusement sentence. Clarify nicely and be done with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would absolutely NOT "ask" the secretary which title to use, as presumably it is not her decision or call as to what it would be. This gives her more power than she needs.

I would quietly check with a colleague about company expectations on use of internal/external titles (which, btw, I've never heard of either).

OP wouldn't actually be asking, she(he?) would be letting the secretary know she messed up without sounding petty.

[Anonymous]

Ok OP, so how did you respond if at all?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's no way I'd go to your boss. I would do something like the PPs proposed: reply to her and ask her why you shouldn't use your external title in your signature. That keeps it between the two of you...and she'll always know that you knew she was a complete asshole and you kept it quiet. Leverage like that can be valuable.

This exactly. Do not bring in her boss. It will pay off down the road.

[Anonymous]

HR here. I would ask for clarification on how people within the organization handle the internal/external title dilemma and then drop it with the secretary.

You have been there for a short time and there are a lot of things you don't know. For instance, is the secretary highly regarded? Does she have the of her boss? Will you someday need her help and/or cooperation?

As someone else mentioned, she knows what happened and is already embarrassed. The best thing for you to do is either say nothing or tell her that you know she sent the email to you by mistake and not to worry.

[Anonymous]

OP, there is no upside to fighting with a secretary over something this minor. Because the offense is so minor, it is likely that people will think you are acting like a bully who used this opportunity to pick on someone less powerful than yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DO NOT PISS OFF YOUR BOSSES SECRETARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It will make his life miserable and hence your life will be miserable. Print the email. Quietly ask your boss if you are using the wrong title on your emails.

1. It makes you look humble.
2. You told on the secretary without it looking like you told on the secretary. (Telling on the secretary make you a little bitch. BTW.)

I concur. Don't respond to the secretary and don't ask her what title you should be using especially if she's a know it all or normally snarky or rude. Ask your boss or HR.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DO NOT PISS OFF YOUR BOSSES SECRETARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It will make his life miserable and hence your life will be miserable. Print the email. Quietly ask your boss if you are using the wrong title on your emails.

1. It makes you look humble.
2. You told on the secretary without it looking like you told on the secretary. (Telling on the secretary make you a little bitch. BTW.)

I concur. Don't respond to the secretary and don't ask her what title you should be using especially if she's a know it all or normally snarky or rude. Ask your boss or HR.

Looking humble is morally incorrect.