243. The Best of Confident Business English: #215 How to Chase a Colleague Without Sounding Rude
Sep 22, 2024
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John, a colleague who might need a nudge about important info, joins the discussion on chasing up coworkers without sounding rude. The conversation dives into three essential tips for crafting diplomatic emails when you need to follow up. Learn strategies to maintain professionalism and respect, even when you're feeling awkward. Mastering this skill means you won't have to fret over your wording every time, making communication smoother and more effective in the workplace.
Chasing up colleagues diplomatically through careful email communication is essential for maintaining professional relationships and reducing tension.
September represents a time for recalibrating work goals and reigniting motivation after the less structured summer months.
Deep dives
Recalibrating for Productivity
September serves as a refresh for many, marking a shift in focus and productivity as people return to work after summer breaks. This month feels like a new beginning, with renewed energy dedicated to planning and strategizing for the months ahead. The discussion highlights the importance of recalibrating goals and intentions at this time, reinforcing a mindset that fosters growth and focus. The transition from the less structured summer months back to a more rigorous work routine can reignite motivation and drive.
Diplomatic Email Communication
When needing to chase up a colleague for information that hasn't been received, fostering a diplomatic tone in email communication is vital. Addressing the issue without putting the onus on the person can ease potential tension; using passive voice and phrases like 'I don't seem to have received' can mitigate a direct confrontation. This approach not only helps maintain a collegial atmosphere but also preserves relationships in a professional setting. Crafting the message with care ensures the communication is clear yet respectful, making it more likely that the request will be met positively.
Effective Email Techniques
There are strategic techniques that can enhance the effectiveness of follow-up emails. Focusing on the issue rather than blaming individuals allows for a smoother communication flow. Ending the email with polite requests, such as 'I would appreciate it if you could get back to me when you can', emphasizes professionalism and courtesy. By employing these techniques regularly, individuals can save time and reduce the stress associated with writing such crucial emails, while also improving their overall confidence in business communications.
Originally released in April 2024. Another classic episode from Confident Business English.
Your colleague, let's call them John, said he was going to send you the information you needed on Monday. Now it's Thursday and you know that you have to chase this up by email otherwise you are going to miss your deadline.
The thing is John is a peer, or a superior and you don't know him very well and you want to tread carefully. It's a little bit could be sensitive or contentious, you feel a little awkward but you have to do it. How do you write the email?
On today's episode I want to share with you 3 tips for approaching this situation in a diplomatic way when you have to chase someone up by email
Chasing someone up is not really a question of IF but WHEN so learning a couple of easy tricks to avoiding sounding too direct should come in very handy when writing emails in the future. It also means you don't have to reinvent the wheel every time.
Say hello on LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly
Follow me on Instagram @annabusinessenglish
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