The point is that when you introduce yourself via email, not only are
you making a first impression, you're also leaving a written record. So
use caution, especially when dealing with powerful people.
Additionally, not all chairmen and CEOs are as willing to receive information directly as Gates is. The fact that your company president's
email address is listed in the organizational directory doesn't necessarily mean he wants to hear directly from his rank and file employees.
And even if he doesn't mind, your own boss, or your boss's boss, might
not be too pleased to learn that you circumvented his authority and
went straight to the top. It depends on the politics of your organization.
Finally, some executives do have their secretaries screen their email. So
if you do decide to send email directly to your company president -- or
to Bill Gates, for that matter -- don't assume that he'll be the only person to read it. Bill may decide to hire an email screener now that his
address is public knowledge.
Q. When should I give out another person's email address?
Anytime it would also be appropriate to give out a work phone number.