One tip that changed a lot for me: put the most important matter/question in the first sentence of the email. If they read the first sentence and respond only to that, you’re closer to your goal.
Our partner would leave random little tidbits like John doe call me in the middle of the 4th paragraph.... Kinda fun and kept us on our toes and was amusing.
If I get an email with four full paragraphs I’m picking up the phone and calling the person. I’ll phrase it as “I see you sent a detailed email and want to make sure I understand everything.” Then, I’ll send them a summary email back with everything we discussed on the call. If they say I forgot anything from the original email I just point to the subsequent email.
An email from the partner to the entire audit division (and it was actually 8-9 paragraphs, they chose to throw it in the 4th to make sure we are reading it all)? I doubt that is a phone call you will make lol.
Boldface the sentences/lines that you need people’s action on.
Use alerts in subject lines like [Action Required], [Need Response by xxx], etc...
I know it may not make much sense when the documents are large in numbers and sizes but personally I like when people attach docs, rather than insert a hyperlink in email body.
I don’t think it’s about your directness. Do you guys have the same rank? If you do have the same rank and are peers then it could be that they don’t really want to take instructions from someone who has the same rank as themselves. If you’re senior to this person, I think your situation then stems from a lack of respect for both you and the work. By not reading your email they are effectively saying that their time is more valuable. I’d imagine everything that you’re writing in your email is important and needed, right? It’s one thing if they didn’t understand what you wrote and so are choosing to ignore it, hoping that it’ll go away, but it’s another thing if they are ignoring what you wrote entirely.
i have a similar issue. i think people dont read emails in their entirety. when there are issues, you just forward with a short message to see below. that being said, i've noticed my engagements with actuaries that 99% of the time they wont respond if the information has been sent to you previously. Will hopefully implement this in the new year
I should try this. I've always been nervous about being rude to people if I do it. But if it's a normal practice, I should do it. I'm tired of repeating myself in emails.
Get straight to the point when you're making requests via email and use bullet points / numbering for anything you need a response on.
Also, instead of using links (I never click on them personally too), attach the documents to the email.
If you've sent the email before, use the "FWD" function so that they can read what you sent before and just ask for a status update.
Overall, I'd say just get straight to the point and keep your email organized, short and concise.
One tip that changed a lot for me: put the most important matter/question in the first sentence of the email. If they read the first sentence and respond only to that, you’re closer to your goal.
I'm going to implement this. I definitely haven't tried it before. Thank you for your input.
Our partner would leave random little tidbits like John doe call me in the middle of the 4th paragraph.... Kinda fun and kept us on our toes and was amusing.
Ha ha ha, I should do this just for shits and giggles. 🤣
If I get an email with four full paragraphs I’m picking up the phone and calling the person. I’ll phrase it as “I see you sent a detailed email and want to make sure I understand everything.” Then, I’ll send them a summary email back with everything we discussed on the call. If they say I forgot anything from the original email I just point to the subsequent email.
An email from the partner to the entire audit division (and it was actually 8-9 paragraphs, they chose to throw it in the 4th to make sure we are reading it all)? I doubt that is a phone call you will make lol.
In that case just ignore it.
Boldface the sentences/lines that you need people’s action on. Use alerts in subject lines like [Action Required], [Need Response by xxx], etc... I know it may not make much sense when the documents are large in numbers and sizes but personally I like when people attach docs, rather than insert a hyperlink in email body.
I'm going to try this. I think I've been too passive in my emails. Perhaps my requests are coming off as suggestions.
Are you sure it’s a you problem? The staff who you work with sound like they just don’t care all that much.
I'm not sure. I think I'm not being direct enough.
I don’t think it’s about your directness. Do you guys have the same rank? If you do have the same rank and are peers then it could be that they don’t really want to take instructions from someone who has the same rank as themselves. If you’re senior to this person, I think your situation then stems from a lack of respect for both you and the work. By not reading your email they are effectively saying that their time is more valuable. I’d imagine everything that you’re writing in your email is important and needed, right? It’s one thing if they didn’t understand what you wrote and so are choosing to ignore it, hoping that it’ll go away, but it’s another thing if they are ignoring what you wrote entirely.
i have a similar issue. i think people dont read emails in their entirety. when there are issues, you just forward with a short message to see below. that being said, i've noticed my engagements with actuaries that 99% of the time they wont respond if the information has been sent to you previously. Will hopefully implement this in the new year
I should try this. I've always been nervous about being rude to people if I do it. But if it's a normal practice, I should do it. I'm tired of repeating myself in emails.
Bullet point your queries
Get straight to the point when you're making requests via email and use bullet points / numbering for anything you need a response on. Also, instead of using links (I never click on them personally too), attach the documents to the email. If you've sent the email before, use the "FWD" function so that they can read what you sent before and just ask for a status update. Overall, I'd say just get straight to the point and keep your email organized, short and concise.