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Reject Offensive E-Mails

The former CEO of Boeing Co. was coaxed out of retirement to lead the company through a turbulent period. But the man, a father and grandfather, was later forced out of the top job after his love affair with another company executive was discovered through a trail of steamy e-mails.

Questionable emails have sunk many ships in the workplace and will probably sink many more because companies have grown increasingly intolerant of e-mail faux pas. Yet some employees haven’t gotten the message and they cheerfully traffic in racist or pornographic e-mails. Some employees believe the materials are harmless and entertaining and eagerly share them. But some companies aren’t amused and have fired employees on the spot for offensive e-mails.

Ignore such e-mails or ask a colleague to stop sending them. Trafficking in risky e-mails has become more risky than ever.