Quick one today…
- When you send an email, if you want the reader to DO something, you have to ask them to DO something
- So end with “Please can you (DO this action) by (this deadline)”
- To make them even more likely to DO it, then write “And then I will” – followed by your next action
- For example: “Please can you send me this month’s figures by the end of today. And then I will include them in my Board presentation tomorrow”
- They are now more likely to DO it!
- Why? Because you’ve been clear on (1) the DO and (2) the deadline. And…
- … (3) the “And then I will” means they see the impact of them doing their action
- So, if they DO what you ask – their figures go in tomorrow’s presentation
- But if they DON’T, the figures are NOT in your presentation. And it’s their fault!
And as today’s Tip is quick, let’s end with a quick…
…Action Point
End your next email with “Please can you (do X) by (deadline Y). And then I will (do Z)”
And if that works, keep doing it!