The Management Tip of the Day
From: Harvard Business Review <noreply@a.email.hbr.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 2, 2021 4:47 AM
To: Jessica Arrazola <jarrazola@cste.org>
Subject: The Management Tip of the Day
The Art of Following Up Graciously. We’ve all been there: You email someone asking for a conversation, information, input, or an introduction ... and you get no response. It’s frustrating, but you shouldn’t jump to the conclusion that you’re being ghosted. We’re all juggling a lot these days, so here’s how to reach out with a gentle nudge. Start with a compelling subject line. Avoid generic phrases like “Following up” or “Checking in” that are not only vague, they may also make the recipient feel bad for being slow to respond (even further delaying a reply). Instead, be more specific, for example, "Next steps on X project” or “Question on job application.” Next, be mindful of your tone. Research shows emails that are slightly to moderately positive in tone have a 10 to 15% higher response rate than more neutral messages. So aim to be friendly and polite. Finally, be succinct and specific about your ask — and offer your recipient an easy out. This will give them an opportunity to save face and preserve the relationship. If you do all this and you still don’t get a response, be judicious about following up again. You may need to cut your losses and move on.
[Management Tip of the Day]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f857f&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&s=byyZzIRmts50KdatkT0r8ktOGJBImXbO8ZNLaVYPsNA>
Today’s Tip
The Art of Following Up Graciously
We’ve all been there: You email someone asking for a conversation, information, input, or an introduction ... and you get no response. It’s frustrating, but you shouldn’t jump to the conclusion that you’re being ghosted. We’re all juggling a lot these days, so here’s how to reach out with a gentle nudge. Start with a compelling subject line. Avoid generic phrases like “Following up” or “Checking in” that are not only vague, they may also make the recipient feel bad for being slow to respond (even further delaying a reply). Instead, be more specific, for example, "Next steps on X project” or “Question on job application.” Next, be mindful of your tone. Research shows emails that are slightly to moderately positive in tone have a 10 to 15% higher response rate than more neutral messages. So aim to be friendly and polite. Finally, be succinct and specific about your ask — and offer your recipient an easy out. This will give them an opportunity to save face and preserve the relationship. If you do all this and you still don’t get a response, be judicious about following up again. You may need to cut your losses and move on.
This tip is adapted from “How to Follow Up With Someone Who’s Not Getting Back to You<https://hbr.org/2021/01/how-to-follow-up-with-someone-whos-not-getting-back-to-you?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs,”> by Rebecca Zucker
ADVERTISEMENT
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720421&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM117170]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f8580&p1=jarrazola%40cste.org&p2=DM117170&s=vLdrzo8XVWde7Q50UdfePHdZSOBEly-wwulm1oc_GjM>
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720422&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM117170]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f8581&p1=jarrazola%40cste.org&p2=DM117170&s=NeewOij13tJXxZvkT5smAleU-4cg793GZNNAnumRL-Y>
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720424&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM117170]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a0&p1=jarrazola%40cste.org&p2=DM117170&s=-7LmrEzHZSpCRyG76jae5EsnVd_Ug1anDNXvFN67vzk>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/marketing/email/NewsletterPromo_BigIdea_Sept2020.png]<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fw1.buysub.com%2fservlet%2fConvertibleGateway%3futm_medium%3demail%26utm_source%3dnewsletter_daily%26utm_campaign%3dmtod_notactsubs%26utm_term%3dsubacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle%26cds_mag_code%3dHVR%26cds_page_id%3d238054%26cds_response_key%3dI91NWEB3&c=E,1,FW2z7doW3O8cdc_JyR_7c9Lx-J6T3z6Vq4s-dHzEfdStmqOnFYLfimtYtwvyPJVGp9Y5r2Sprc_N6vtleV2IW2shwaP_xcqvQMn13BRfMTvYPpnWYQ,,&typo=1>
Assert more executive knowledge. <https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fw1.buysub.com%2fservlet%2fConvertibleGateway%3futm_medium%3demail%26utm_source%3dnewsletter_daily%26utm_campaign%3dmtod_notactsubs%26utm_term%3dsubacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle%26cds_mag_code%3dHVR%26cds_page_id%3d238054%26cds_response_key%3dI91NWEB3&c=E,1,27y_rBmgCsuroMDEXGv4HZSNXsNeoHlQDcA2VQ-Ml_A-K1H4Ld97s3KPYs006PCouzNdSrs3sBQMBINA6OIeA9m7Y-Dlko3Uc7ukMaKzGDTJAg,,&typo=1>
Subscribing to HBR? That’s smart business. Get access to the latest in career and business today. Choose from one of three subscription plans.
Explore our subscription options <https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fw1.buysub.com%2fservlet%2fConvertibleGateway%3futm_medium%3demail%26utm_source%3dnewsletter_daily%26utm_campaign%3dmtod_notactsubs%26utm_term%3dsubacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle%26cds_mag_code%3dHVR%26cds_page_id%3d238054%26cds_response_key%3dI91NWEB3&c=E,1,7JDLTc0c-SqWsVLuDApwMj3XQSxHvq9lYJ3B1u-CZ7fMOFW2OccWbpaybfaP-UYCSFh7FQFBvwJdO7KivpPTdh-rmGhckVI1zcCS0ShM3w,,&typo=1>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/article_assets/2021/01/Jan21_18_1213929917.jpg]<https://hbr.org/2021/01/what-to-do-if-your-team-doesnt-want-to-go-back-to-the-office?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&utm_term=subacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle>
Article
What to Do If Your Team Doesn’t Want to Go Back to the Office <https://hbr.org/2021/01/what-to-do-if-your-team-doesnt-want-to-go-back-to-the-office?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&utm_term=subacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle>
by Liz Kislik
...but company leaders are insisting on it.
Read now <https://hbr.org/2021/01/what-to-do-if-your-team-doesnt-want-to-go-back-to-the-office?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&utm_term=subacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/marketing/email/10398E_500.png]<https://store.hbr.org/product/getting-it-all-done-hbr-working-parents-series/10398?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&utm_term=subacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=10398E-KND-ENG>
Ebook or paperback
Getting It All Done (HBR Working Parents Series) <https://store.hbr.org/product/getting-it-all-done-hbr-working-parents-series/10398?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&utm_term=subacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=10398E-KND-ENG>
by Harvard Business Review, Daisy Wademan Dowling, Bruce Feiler, Stewart D. Friedman, Whitney Johnson
$24.95
Learn more <https://store.hbr.org/product/getting-it-all-done-hbr-working-parents-series/10398?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&utm_term=subacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=10398E-KND-ENG>
[triangle icon]<https://store.hbr.org/product/getting-it-all-done-hbr-working-parents-series/10398?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&utm_term=subacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle>
Don’t forget you’re entitled to 20% off your first purchase*
*Use promo code HBRORGREG4.
View details here.<https://hbr.org/registration-details>
[twitter]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a1&s=SGR7cI-hzItYvXTAtkj5Ip1r2_UQrMsLFBfOELrxkzM>
[facebook]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a2&s=n00EmcFUh02V9qpVR6r1Z2B_0poR8H7lqaQ2lLJexWo>
[instagram]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a3&s=78jOVD-1rd16_LNDudNMiBHkDnSTmHoUcwMHVOG_3Mg>
View in browser <https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a4&p1=%40O6cE2Iw1fiTTWRsJJR_NyKhSrU9rfEzwaax68S2yfmg9oTUt3lhacmpvfcgfYoN6L_wsvtrBaO5ZAAtmjahm9Ah1S0mwr95QmnPrPGbkZfDKXB7U&s=vqPMzLk95Nt2WC3f9I4p_nBxFj4cOde9rcITqjjytNg>
Contact us<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a5&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&s=vUZvWt-Fy8ROxBIonB0PgYoIlvdr1q0QHyXuI6SYAP4>
Privacy policy<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a6&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&s=trDLBGBvWYx8yf_vyapggAPhMxZukXMJRJqcgQpChSs>
Manage newsletter preferences<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a7&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&s=R9A6rpSGYbLbNul6RjRgKq41vzb7GsMcTLhAsZ0CuSA>
Unsubscribe<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a8&p1=%40t6p7L4VyTOGTCdqZdBCfGpvOsjDPku9z06x_xAqkXoUTyQlBAI1RCPXFUHIlRv-4bd6IUX5VvSkAlDsCcrkcKJEhxVs&s=3ADCEau1pgATs4rvxYSmKnq_Iu6wyzpa4DfnSCnDkOk>
To ensure email delivery, add noreply@a.email.hbr.org<mailto:noreply@a.email.hbr.org> to your address book, contacts, or safe sender list.
Copyright © 2021 Harvard Business School Publishing,
an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved.
Harvard Business Publishing
20 Guest St, Suite 700
Brighton, MA 02135
Sent: Tuesday, February 2, 2021 4:47 AM
To: Jessica Arrazola <jarrazola@cste.org>
Subject: The Management Tip of the Day
The Art of Following Up Graciously. We’ve all been there: You email someone asking for a conversation, information, input, or an introduction ... and you get no response. It’s frustrating, but you shouldn’t jump to the conclusion that you’re being ghosted. We’re all juggling a lot these days, so here’s how to reach out with a gentle nudge. Start with a compelling subject line. Avoid generic phrases like “Following up” or “Checking in” that are not only vague, they may also make the recipient feel bad for being slow to respond (even further delaying a reply). Instead, be more specific, for example, "Next steps on X project” or “Question on job application.” Next, be mindful of your tone. Research shows emails that are slightly to moderately positive in tone have a 10 to 15% higher response rate than more neutral messages. So aim to be friendly and polite. Finally, be succinct and specific about your ask — and offer your recipient an easy out. This will give them an opportunity to save face and preserve the relationship. If you do all this and you still don’t get a response, be judicious about following up again. You may need to cut your losses and move on.
[Management Tip of the Day]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f857f&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&s=byyZzIRmts50KdatkT0r8ktOGJBImXbO8ZNLaVYPsNA>
Today’s Tip
The Art of Following Up Graciously
We’ve all been there: You email someone asking for a conversation, information, input, or an introduction ... and you get no response. It’s frustrating, but you shouldn’t jump to the conclusion that you’re being ghosted. We’re all juggling a lot these days, so here’s how to reach out with a gentle nudge. Start with a compelling subject line. Avoid generic phrases like “Following up” or “Checking in” that are not only vague, they may also make the recipient feel bad for being slow to respond (even further delaying a reply). Instead, be more specific, for example, "Next steps on X project” or “Question on job application.” Next, be mindful of your tone. Research shows emails that are slightly to moderately positive in tone have a 10 to 15% higher response rate than more neutral messages. So aim to be friendly and polite. Finally, be succinct and specific about your ask — and offer your recipient an easy out. This will give them an opportunity to save face and preserve the relationship. If you do all this and you still don’t get a response, be judicious about following up again. You may need to cut your losses and move on.
This tip is adapted from “How to Follow Up With Someone Who’s Not Getting Back to You<https://hbr.org/2021/01/how-to-follow-up-with-someone-whos-not-getting-back-to-you?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs,”> by Rebecca Zucker
ADVERTISEMENT
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720421&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM117170]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f8580&p1=jarrazola%40cste.org&p2=DM117170&s=vLdrzo8XVWde7Q50UdfePHdZSOBEly-wwulm1oc_GjM>
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720422&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM117170]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f8581&p1=jarrazola%40cste.org&p2=DM117170&s=NeewOij13tJXxZvkT5smAleU-4cg793GZNNAnumRL-Y>
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720424&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM117170]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a0&p1=jarrazola%40cste.org&p2=DM117170&s=-7LmrEzHZSpCRyG76jae5EsnVd_Ug1anDNXvFN67vzk>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/marketing/email/NewsletterPromo_BigIdea_Sept2020.png]<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fw1.buysub.com%2fservlet%2fConvertibleGateway%3futm_medium%3demail%26utm_source%3dnewsletter_daily%26utm_campaign%3dmtod_notactsubs%26utm_term%3dsubacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle%26cds_mag_code%3dHVR%26cds_page_id%3d238054%26cds_response_key%3dI91NWEB3&c=E,1,FW2z7doW3O8cdc_JyR_7c9Lx-J6T3z6Vq4s-dHzEfdStmqOnFYLfimtYtwvyPJVGp9Y5r2Sprc_N6vtleV2IW2shwaP_xcqvQMn13BRfMTvYPpnWYQ,,&typo=1>
Assert more executive knowledge. <https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fw1.buysub.com%2fservlet%2fConvertibleGateway%3futm_medium%3demail%26utm_source%3dnewsletter_daily%26utm_campaign%3dmtod_notactsubs%26utm_term%3dsubacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle%26cds_mag_code%3dHVR%26cds_page_id%3d238054%26cds_response_key%3dI91NWEB3&c=E,1,27y_rBmgCsuroMDEXGv4HZSNXsNeoHlQDcA2VQ-Ml_A-K1H4Ld97s3KPYs006PCouzNdSrs3sBQMBINA6OIeA9m7Y-Dlko3Uc7ukMaKzGDTJAg,,&typo=1>
Subscribing to HBR? That’s smart business. Get access to the latest in career and business today. Choose from one of three subscription plans.
Explore our subscription options <https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fw1.buysub.com%2fservlet%2fConvertibleGateway%3futm_medium%3demail%26utm_source%3dnewsletter_daily%26utm_campaign%3dmtod_notactsubs%26utm_term%3dsubacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle%26cds_mag_code%3dHVR%26cds_page_id%3d238054%26cds_response_key%3dI91NWEB3&c=E,1,7JDLTc0c-SqWsVLuDApwMj3XQSxHvq9lYJ3B1u-CZ7fMOFW2OccWbpaybfaP-UYCSFh7FQFBvwJdO7KivpPTdh-rmGhckVI1zcCS0ShM3w,,&typo=1>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/article_assets/2021/01/Jan21_18_1213929917.jpg]<https://hbr.org/2021/01/what-to-do-if-your-team-doesnt-want-to-go-back-to-the-office?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&utm_term=subacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle>
Article
What to Do If Your Team Doesn’t Want to Go Back to the Office <https://hbr.org/2021/01/what-to-do-if-your-team-doesnt-want-to-go-back-to-the-office?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&utm_term=subacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle>
by Liz Kislik
...but company leaders are insisting on it.
Read now <https://hbr.org/2021/01/what-to-do-if-your-team-doesnt-want-to-go-back-to-the-office?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&utm_term=subacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/marketing/email/10398E_500.png]<https://store.hbr.org/product/getting-it-all-done-hbr-working-parents-series/10398?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&utm_term=subacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=10398E-KND-ENG>
Ebook or paperback
Getting It All Done (HBR Working Parents Series) <https://store.hbr.org/product/getting-it-all-done-hbr-working-parents-series/10398?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&utm_term=subacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=10398E-KND-ENG>
by Harvard Business Review, Daisy Wademan Dowling, Bruce Feiler, Stewart D. Friedman, Whitney Johnson
$24.95
Learn more <https://store.hbr.org/product/getting-it-all-done-hbr-working-parents-series/10398?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&utm_term=subacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=10398E-KND-ENG>
[triangle icon]<https://store.hbr.org/product/getting-it-all-done-hbr-working-parents-series/10398?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&utm_term=subacq_buyeracq_nsubarticle>
Don’t forget you’re entitled to 20% off your first purchase*
*Use promo code HBRORGREG4.
View details here.<https://hbr.org/registration-details>
[twitter]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a1&s=SGR7cI-hzItYvXTAtkj5Ip1r2_UQrMsLFBfOELrxkzM>
[facebook]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a2&s=n00EmcFUh02V9qpVR6r1Z2B_0poR8H7lqaQ2lLJexWo>
[instagram]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a3&s=78jOVD-1rd16_LNDudNMiBHkDnSTmHoUcwMHVOG_3Mg>
View in browser <https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a4&p1=%40O6cE2Iw1fiTTWRsJJR_NyKhSrU9rfEzwaax68S2yfmg9oTUt3lhacmpvfcgfYoN6L_wsvtrBaO5ZAAtmjahm9Ah1S0mwr95QmnPrPGbkZfDKXB7U&s=vqPMzLk95Nt2WC3f9I4p_nBxFj4cOde9rcITqjjytNg>
Contact us<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a5&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&s=vUZvWt-Fy8ROxBIonB0PgYoIlvdr1q0QHyXuI6SYAP4>
Privacy policy<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a6&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&s=trDLBGBvWYx8yf_vyapggAPhMxZukXMJRJqcgQpChSs>
Manage newsletter preferences<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a7&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs&s=R9A6rpSGYbLbNul6RjRgKq41vzb7GsMcTLhAsZ0CuSA>
Unsubscribe<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h723b5b5e%2Cd6f857d%2Cd6f85a8&p1=%40t6p7L4VyTOGTCdqZdBCfGpvOsjDPku9z06x_xAqkXoUTyQlBAI1RCPXFUHIlRv-4bd6IUX5VvSkAlDsCcrkcKJEhxVs&s=3ADCEau1pgATs4rvxYSmKnq_Iu6wyzpa4DfnSCnDkOk>
To ensure email delivery, add noreply@a.email.hbr.org<mailto:noreply@a.email.hbr.org> to your address book, contacts, or safe sender list.
Copyright © 2021 Harvard Business School Publishing,
an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved.
Harvard Business Publishing
20 Guest St, Suite 700
Brighton, MA 02135