A typical workday brings with it tens of items – some easy, some not so easy.

There are things we look forward to, and there are things we would like to defer and delay – even avoid if possible.

Likewise for the counterpart.

What if the counterpart is in another branch or city?

What if they don’t want to reply – the reason could be anything.

What if the counterpart is 3 grades your senior?

Fortunately, there is a way –  other than going to your boss.

And it is easier than it seems.

The Solution

Convey the effect of non-revert or delay as a suffix in the email subject.

Make your Email subject as under:

[Project/Client] – [Core Action Needed] – [Impact of Delay /Deadline]

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Some Examples

Galaxy Ltd – Await reply to Regulatory query – Reply to RBI on hold

Reliable Ltd – Await advice on Agreement – Client called thrice

Mark Ltd – Rs 5 lakh Approval – Cheque Return deadline 20 minutes

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Why it works

As long as the criticality or urgency is in the content (inside) of the email, a senior has a valid reason – busy, overlooked, etc.

But a subject like this removes all barriers.

The senior doesn’t have to even open the email, and yet the subject – even in a smartphone inbox – unmistakably conveys, the issue would worsen if the senior doesn’t reply soon.

This then makes them reply. 

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I share an example when I first applied this approach.

At that time, I was working in Demat / Share Market Operations at my bank.

One day, we received a request from a corporate client seeking a revision in the fee schedule.

I spoke to the Head of Sales (a Vice President) and sent the request (client letter) to him.

I then waited. But the revert did not come.

I called. The Head of Sales assured he would get back to me.

I waited a couple of days. Again, no revert.

The corporate client had good billing. The revision it sought was significant.

To add to the issue, its group companies also had accounts with us. This was possibly the reason why the Head of Sales was taking time.

But for me, an Operations officer, it was just another transaction.

And – nearing month-end – any further delay was going to affect my work.

Exasperated, I sent a reminder with a revised subject, something like under–

Oscorp Ltd – Await Fee – Month-end billing of all Clients on hold

This subject had the desired effect.

The Head of Sales got back irritated: “Yes, I know. Will revert by evening.”

In the evening, the decision came through as promised.

And therein lies the key.

When you have a senior who isn’t responding, convey the effect of non-revert or delay as a suffix in the email subject.

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A Note on Phone Calls

The standard advice in the corporate sector is, “Just pick up the phone.”

But sometimes the counterpart is not reachable, or not picking up the phone.

At other times, you will have tens of issues, and may not have the time to call.

This approach is then efficient.

As an added benefit, subjects like these — when cc’d to the boss — will prompt your boss to get involved and take over the baton from you.

You won’t have to specifically go and seek your boss’s intervention.

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A Word of Caution

Use this approach only for important or time-sensitive issues.

Don’t use it (or cc to your boss) on your first follow-up— send at least one polite reminder first.

The “effect” you cite must be a genuine business impact (client dissatisfaction, missed deadlines, blocked workflows), not merely that you are waiting.

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Seniors respond faster when the impact is visible.