It is often easy to hide behind e-mail or to fire off a message impulsively. Don't give in to the temptation to send caustic messages when you are frustrated by a difficult person. Instead, try these strategies:
1. Vent by writing a caustic e-mail, but don't send it.
2. Reread every e-mail you plan to send about a touchy subject before you actually send it.
3. Wait a day and reread the e-mail before sending it.
4. Get a second opinion from a trusted source about whether you should send it.
5. Begin your e-mail with your best intentions and end by suggesting next steps.
SOURCE: Dealing with People you Can't Stand by Rick Brinkman and Rick Kirschner (McGraw Hill, 2002).