Help you follow up with people who have not responded
Keep track of the conversations you’re waiting on.
I look for messages where you asked for something and are still waiting for an answer. I bring them back when it’s time to follow up.
Know who you’re waiting on.
Alex hasn’t sent the revised proposal.
You asked for it ahead of Thursday’s review. Alex said Tuesday, and that date has passed. This is a conversation to follow up on.
I check what was actually left open.
Was an answer expected?
I look for a question, a request or a promise in the thread. A sent message alone doesn’t mean someone owes you a reply.
Has it been answered?
I check the conversation for a response or a change of plan before bringing it back.
Is it time to follow up?
I consider any promised date, your deadline and your preferences for this person or kind of request.
Your relationships set the pace.
A proposal with a deadline and a note to an old friend may need different timing. I ask how long you want to wait and when a reminder would be unwelcome.
“For proposals without a stated deadline, how long would you like to wait before I remind you to follow up?”
The original request stays with the reminder.
I bring you who you’re waiting on, what you asked for and the conversation, so you can pick it up without reconstructing the exchange.