Email Like A CEO

Begging for a reply isn’t part of your job.

Writing clearly is.

You spend 30+ minutes drafting an email.

Then ghosted.

Your colleagues need you to:

– Say less, but say it clearly
– Sound like a peer, not a ping
– Ask a question, they can answer

Here are 9 plug-and-send templates you can use
(because your email shouldn’t need a debugger)

1️⃣ Saying no respectfully

❌ Don’t write:

“Sorry, I can’t help.”

✅ Instead write:

“Hi [Name],

Thank you for considering me for [request].

Unfortunately, I am currently focused on [priority], and will not be able to assist you immediately.

However, I suggest the following alternatives:
• [Alternative 1]
• [Alternative 2]

Please let me know if either of these works for you.”

2️⃣ Addressing A Mistake:

❌ Don’t write:

“I made a mess! It’s my bad”

✅ Instead write:

“Hi [Name],

I realised there was an issue with [specific error] in the recent [work/report/task].

I have already taken the following steps to resolve it:
• [Action 1]
• [Action 2]

The corrected version will be available by [time], and I will ensure that this issue is prevented in the future.

3️⃣ Giving A Feedback:

❌ Don’t write:

“This is so bad, do it from again from scratch”

✅ Instead write:

“Hi [Name],

Thank you for your work on [project].

I have reviewed it and wanted to provide the following feedback:

Strengths:
• [Point 1]
• [Point 2]

Areas for improvement:
• [Suggestion 1]
• [Suggestion 2]

If you would like to discuss this further, I’m happy to connect.

4️⃣ Sending A Weekly Update:

❌ Don’t write:

“This is all that happened over the week”

✅ Instead write:

Hi [Name],

Please find below a summary of my progress this week:

Achievements:
• [Achievement] → [Impact]
• [Milestone] → [Why it matters]

In Progress:
• [Project] → [Status and timeline]

Focus for next week:
• [Priority 1]
• [Priority 2]

Please let me know if there are any adjustments are needed.

5️⃣ Asking For An Introduction:

❌ Don’t write:

“Do you know anyone hiring on that team?”

✅ Instead write:

Hi [Name],

I am currently exploring opportunities in this team [specific team].

I was wondering if you could introduce me to someone within your network who may be able to assist.

Specifically, I’m looking to connect with individuals at:
• [Role 1]
• [Role 2]

If you need any additional information, I’d be happy to provide a brief introduction note.

(remaining 4, in the cheat sheet!)
–

I don’t write emails from scratch anymore.

I turned them into templates I can access when needed.

No more digging through threads.
No more “where’s that link again?”
Just fast, clear, grown-up communication.