Kids, this is a new phenomenon. But in the last 10 to 15 years, e-mail has become the way people communicate in the workplace. As a result, people LOVE to be e-mail tough guys. What’s that? Think of an internet troll, put a suit and tie on that person, sprinkle in some professionalism, and presto-chango you have a e-mail tough guy.

Do not be this person. They love to say mean or otherwise snarky things in e-mail that they would never dare say to your face or in a phone call. You will be respected by your peers by not being this person. Never hide behind a keyboard to defend yourself, and do not hesitate to put a e-mail tough guy in their place in the work place. Unless of course, they’re your boss.