When you receive a request from your boss or a client for an update on a task you were assigned, it’s better to respond in a professional and prepared manner.
No need to worry—whether you’re sending a brief email or making a call, we’ve covered the best replies for every situation to ensure you always come across as thorough and see-through.
Along with these responses, a quick, important reminder to share what’s been done, what you are currently doing, or what you will be doing can keep communication clear and expectations managed.
Contents
- 1 Professionally Responses If There is A Delay
- 2 Responses To Make Them Reassure
- 3 Responses When A Colleague Asks For An Update And You Don’t Have
- 4 Responses When You Have Good News
- 5 Responses When The Update Is Negative
- 6 Tips For Composing Email Responses Regarding Updates
- 7 How You Should Handle High-Pressure Update Inquiries
Professionally Responses If There is A Delay
- 1. “Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. ASAP, I will send you an update on the status of our project.”
- 2. “Your time is valuable, and I’m sorry for not updating sooner. Expect a follow-up from us very soon.”
- 3. “Sorry for the delay—I realize how important this is. I am pushing to get you an update as quickly as possible.”
- 4. “Sorry for the slow response. We’re reviewing everything to ensure accuracy and will contact you with an update soon.”
- 5. “Your interest in our progress is a wonderful motivator. We’re carefully polishing the final pieces and will have exciting news for you shortly.”
Responses To Make Them Reassure
- 1. “Working hard on it! I’ll give you an update as soon as I can.”
- 2. “I’m at it! Expect to hear back with a full update before lunch.”
- 3. “Just dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s—will be with you shortly.”
- 4. “You’ll be the first to know once I finalize the numbers.”
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Responses When A Colleague Asks For An Update And You Don’t Have
- 1. “I’m still gathering the necessary information—no solid news just yet.”
- 2. “Still in the queue—I’ll flag it as soon as I have something.”
- 3. “I don’t have the complete picture yet.”
- 4. “The latest hasn’t come in yet. I’ll shoot you a message when there’s something to share.”
Responses When You Have Good News
- 1. “Happy to report that we’ve made significant progress!”
- 2. “The results are in, and they’re better than expected!”
- 3. “The latest results are in, and it’s all positive. Let’s discuss this soon!”
- 4. “Good news travels fast, and I’m here to deliver—everything’s looking up!”
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Responses When The Update Is Negative
- 1. “There has been a setback. I’m analyzing the situation and will figure out the next steps.”
- 2. “The situation has taken an unexpected turn. I’m working to understand the implications and will brief you as soon as possible.”
- 3. “We are not where we need to be at this point.”
Tips For Composing Email Responses Regarding Updates
When you’re tasked with updating someone about a project, it’s a good thing to start your email with a warm greeting. Whether it’s a simple “Hi” or a more formal “Hello”, showing respect and friendliness sets a positive tone.
Always thank the person for contacting you or for their patience as you near completion. Be sure to reach out with a clear update, avoiding complicated words and technical jargon. Instead, use simple language to explain that you are almost done, or that the project is in its final stages.
In the body of your email, provide specific details about the progress. If you’re still working or testing certain aspects, be transparent about what’s left to do.
As you wrap up, a considerate closing reassures the recipient of your ongoing attention and assistance.
Template You Can Use
Hi [Thier Name],
Thank you for your email asking about the project’s status. We’re almost done with the [details]. I’ll make sure to keep you updated as we go along.
If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to ask.
Best regards,
[Your Name]How You Should Handle High-Pressure Update Inquiries
First of all, respond calmly and assure the inquirer that you are on top of things. Ensure that you set a clear time—perhaps tomorrow afternoon—by which you will send an email with all the information needed.
In your response, focus on specific parts of the project that are important and are likely the target of the inquiry. Provide more information about these aspects to satisfy their specific expectation.
If there are details that still need to be finalized, be honest about what is done and what remains. Communicating this check-in clearly helps in managing both the details you have provided and the expectations of the person requesting the update.
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