Chaperoned email thread

A "chaperoned" email thread is a type of email conversation where a third party, often a manager or supervisor, is copied on the email exchange to ensure that the conversation remains professional and on-topic. This can be useful in a variety of situations, such as:

  1. Conflict resolution: When a disagreement or issue arises between team members, a chaperoned email thread can help to keep the conversation focused and prevent misunderstandings or escalation.
  2. Project management: A chaperoned email thread can be used to track progress, discuss issues, and make decisions related to a specific project or task.
  3. Training or mentoring: A manager or experienced team member may be copied on an email thread to provide guidance, feedback, or support to a newer team member.
  4. Compliance or regulatory purposes: In certain industries or organizations, chaperoned email threads may be required to ensure that sensitive or confidential information is handled properly.

Here are some best practices for creating a chaperoned email thread:

  1. Clearly state the purpose: In the initial email, clearly state the purpose of the thread and what you hope to achieve.
  2. Set expectations: Establish expectations for the tone and content of the conversation, and remind participants to keep the discussion focused and respectful.
  3. Use a clear subject line: Use a descriptive subject line that summarizes the purpose of the thread, making it easy for others to understand the context.
  4. Keep the thread organized: Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to keep the thread organized and easy to follow.
  5. Monitor and intervene as needed: The chaperoning party should monitor the thread and intervene if necessary to keep the conversation on track or address any issues that arise.

Example of a chaperoned email thread:

Subject: Project Update - Q2 Goals

From: John Smith (Project Manager) To: Jane Doe (Team Member), Bob Johnson (Manager) CC: [Project Team]

Hi Jane,

I wanted to follow up on our previous discussion regarding the Q2 goals for our project. I've attached the updated project plan and would like to discuss the following points:

Please let me know your thoughts and any concerns you may have. I've copied Bob on this email as he will be reviewing the plan and providing feedback.

Best, John

CC: Bob Johnson (Manager)

In this example, John Smith is the project manager, Jane Doe is the team member, and Bob Johnson is the manager who is being copied on the email thread. The subject line clearly states the purpose of the thread, and the initial email sets expectations for the conversation.