What to Say When Your Manager Hasn't Replied
Chasing a manager for a response can feel uncomfortable, but a short, professional nudge is completely normal and expected. Keep it brief and easy to act on.
Use these when
- You sent a request or question and haven't heard back after a few days
- You need an answer before a deadline and time is running out
- You want to follow up without sounding impatient or pushy
- You're checking in on something that may have just been missed
Skip these if
- Don't open with "as I mentioned before" in an accusatory tone
- Avoid multiple follow-ups in the same day
- Don't assume they're ignoring you on purpose
- Don't bury the actual ask in a long re-explanation
14 replies to choose from
Just following up on my message from earlier this week regarding [topic]. Let me know if you need anything else from me to move forward.
Standard follow-up email
I know things have been busy — wanted to gently follow up on this when you get a chance.
Soft, understanding tone
Circling back on this since I need an answer by [date] to stay on track. Happy to jump on a quick call if that's easier.
Direct with a deadline
Following up on this — any update?
Quick chat message
Wanted to make sure this didn't get lost in your inbox. Could you take a look when you have a moment?
Assumes good faith
No rush, just checking in on this whenever you have a moment to review.
Low-pressure nudge
I need to move forward on this soon, so let me know your thoughts when you can.
Adds urgency respectfully
Following up — please advise when you can.
Very brief, formal
Hope your week's going okay! Just wanted to check in on this when you have a sec.
Warm and casual
Following up on my earlier note — happy to provide more context if that would help you decide.
Offers to be helpful
Bumping this up in case it got buried.
Casual internal chat
I wanted to check whether you had a chance to review my message from Monday. No pressure, just following up.
Formal and patient
Following up here since this is blocking my next steps. Would appreciate a response when possible.
States the impact clearly
Just a gentle reminder about my earlier request — let me know if you need anything further from me.
Standard professional nudge
Make it fit your exact message
Common questions
- How long should I wait before following up?
- For most requests, 2-3 business days is reasonable unless the matter is urgent, in which case a day is fine.
- Should I follow up by email or in person?
- Match the original channel first; if it's urgent or time-sensitive, a quick in-person or chat message can speed things up.
- What if they still don't respond after following up?
- Try a different channel or ask directly if there's a better time to discuss it, since some messages simply get buried.
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