Here’s a common scenario:

You’re swamped. Working on a high profile, deadline driven, heavy duty project. Someone you know emails you requesting an information, an answer, or just asking to chat. It could be a client, friend, networking buddy, anyone you already know.

You have no time to dive into the meat of the email and provide the help/answer/info the person seeks.

What do you do?

  1. Drop everything and answer anyway.
  2. Wait until you have real free time to provide a real thoughtful answer.
  3. Send a quick – I don’t know and don’t bother me retort.
  4. None of the above.

The answer is D.

We’ve all been in this scenario. It feels like a trap, like there’ no right answer. Yet there is! I’m about to save you much aggravation and relationship awkwardness. You’re welcome.

Here’s the magic action that we wish everyone would use.

When someone you know sends you an email, regardless of the topic, acknowledge it.  Now they don’t have to follow up with you every couple of days and call and text you and send the FBI to your location.

Acknowledging the email is quick, simple, yet it doesn’t mean you drop everything and spend time on a lengthy answer or work request. Instead, put one of these responses into your back pocket and use as needed:

  1. Got your email, I want to provide you with the info you’re looking for but working against deadlines. I can take a look at your request sometime this week (next 10 days/month).
  2. Thanks for reaching out – I’m currently swamped with projects but will respond next week when I can give your email more attention.

Not responding at all sends all kinds of psychological messages to the originator and adds unnecessary awkwardness to future conversations.

Have a standard response like one of the ones above, and copy/paste/send. People just want to be acknowledged.