Interim Response

 

Many of us would have friends who habitually do not respond to messages, especially in a group chat/email, even though we requested for a response or when we posted a question to all.

It is important to provide an ‘Interim response’, to acknowledge receipt of the message/email.  Put ourselves in the position of the sender.  How would we feel when we asked a question to 10 persons, and only half of them replied?  We would be wondering why the rest are not replying.  Are they unhappy, are they undecided, or are they not keen on the proposed idea?  This may also delay decision making.

Generally, if we cannot give an answer right away, a "Noted with thanks, I will get back to you on this soon" will suffice.  Or just a “noted” will do.  I feel that this is basic courtesy.

For the same reason, most companies have their ‘interim response’ policy, where we receive an automated response upon their system receiving our order/feedback.  Some will even say ‘we strive to get back to you within 48 hours’.  This is assurance for the customer.

Hence, for those of us who always say ‘sorry I was busy’, do give this a thought.  Being "busy" may seem to be out of our control, but we can do what is within our control.  It takes only two seconds to reply one word.  This makes others’ job easier, which in turn could benefit us, and the team.