Follow Up on a Request
Thirty-two easy ways to follow up on a request, so your ask does not get lost and you keep your calm.
Follow-up is not nagging. It is good manners and good sense.
40 tips that really help
These ideas come from Crucial Conversations (Kerry Patterson and others), Nonviolent Communication (Marshall Rosenberg), Playing Big (Tara Mohr), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Follow up on a request
People forget, get busy or miss messages. A polite follow-up is not nagging; it keeps your request alive. Most replies come after the second reminder, according to common email studies.
Set a reminder to follow up on one open request.
Wait a fair time
Two to three working days for email.
Set it.
Send a friendly nudge
“Just checking in on…”
Draft.
Restate the request
One line.
Include it.
Make it easy
Attach or link.
Add.
Add a deadline
“By Friday if possible.”
Add.
Thank in advance
“Thanks for looking.”
Add.
Offer help
“Happy to talk.”
Add.
Try another channel
Call or message.
Switch.
Ask a colleague
Check who else knows.
Ask.
Follow up in person
If seen.
Mention.
Follow up again
After a week.
Remind.
Escalate gently
To the manager, politely.
Plan.
Document
Keep a record.
Save.
Stay calm
No sarcasm.
Breathe.
Avoid blame
Assume busy.
Be kind.
Avoid flooding
Space reminders.
Plan.
Avoid vague words
Be clear.
Edit.
Close the loop
Thank when done.
Send.
Scene: unanswered email
Follow-up after 3 days.
Send.
Scene: unpaid invoice
Polite reminder, then firmer.
Send.
Scene: a friend who owes you
Gentle reminder.
Text.
Scene: landlord repair
Written reminder with dates.
Email.
Scene: customer service
Reference number and date.
Call.
Scene: a job application
One note after a week.
Send.
Scene: a quote request
Ask for the status.
Email.
Scene: school or doctor
Call with details.
Phone.
Scene: a promised favour
“Any news on…”
Ask.
Scene: a partner's promise
“Can we pick a day for it?”
Ask.
Subject lines help
Clear and short.
Rewrite.
Reply-all caution
Think twice.
Check.
Use a tracker
List of open requests.
Create.
Use calendar reminders
Don’t rely on memory.
Add.
Use templates
Save polite follow-ups.
Write one.
Be consistent
Do it each time.
Habit.
Be patient
Reply may take time.
Wait.
Be kind
Everyone is busy.
Relax.
Seek help
Admin support.
Ask.
Celebrate
You followed up.
Mark it.
Close with persistence
Say, “Polite persistence works.”
Write it.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.
“I wanted to follow up on my request.”
“Have you had a chance to look at it?”
“I can send the details again.”
“Could you let me know by Friday?”
“Thank you for your help.”
“I appreciate your time.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Note the date
Wait a fair time
Send a friendly note
Be short
Offer help
Follow up again
Thank them
Further reading
- Crucial Conversations (Kerry Patterson and others)
- Nonviolent Communication (Marshall Rosenberg)
- Playing Big (Tara Mohr)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
