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Greetings! I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to bring your attention to my previous email. Have you had a chance to review it?
Receiving no response to an email is not uncommon in the professional world. When faced with this situation, it can be challenging to know how to follow up.
The question arises, how can one politely prompt for a response without seeming desperate or passive-aggressive?
According to workplace therapist Brandon Smith, there are two approaches you can take:
Smith advises assuming positive intent when someone is unresponsive. They may be dealing with personal issues, occupied with time-sensitive projects, or your email might have landed in their spam folder.
Here’s an example email you can send:
Hello [insert name],
I understand that you have a lot on your plate, but I am still awaiting your guidance on [insert issue]. When would be a convenient time in the next few days for us to discuss this? It won’t take much time. Thank you once again.
Regards,
[insert your name]
This approach is effective as it allows the recipient to set the deadline and follow through with the request. It also provides you with the opportunity to follow up and hold them accountable.
If you have a tight deadline or if the person is consistently unresponsive, it’s advisable to give yourself a buffer and request a response at least two days before the actual deadline.
For such situations, Smith suggests using the following script: “I understand that you’re extremely busy, and I apologize for the inconvenience, but I have a deadline of [insert earlier deadline], and I really need your assistance. Whenever you have a moment, could we discuss this?”
Another reason for being ghosted may be the recipient’s overflowing inbox. In such cases, Smith recommends following up with a phone call or voicemail as a backup plan.
Smith states that phone calls establish a stronger emotional connection, making it easier for the recipient to respond positively.
During the voicemail or call, Smith suggests starting with an emotional appeal: “Hello, I really need your assistance. I am aware of your busy schedule, but this deadline is approaching rapidly, and your involvement would greatly benefit the [task/project/assignment].”
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