How to ask for something without sounding pushy

Short answer: say “Would you be open to a quick call Thursday? Happy to work around your schedule.”

DON'T SAY
“No worries if not!”
SAY THIS
“Would you be open to a quick call Thursday? Happy to work around your schedule.”
Offering flexibility is gracious. Talking yourself out of the ask isn't.

When to use it

Use it when you're making a request and want to be considerate. Offering to work around their schedule is gracious. Adding “no worries if not” invites the other person to say no before they've even thought about it.

Example

You: “Would you be open to a quick call Thursday? Happy to work around your schedule.”

Mentor: “Thursday at 4 works.”

In an email or Slack message

By email: “Would you be open to a 20-minute call next week? I'm flexible on timing, so any slot that suits you works for me.” Flexibility on how, firmness on the ask.

Quick drill

When an email has a lot of detail but one clear ask.

Which sounds more confident?

Practice 10 more →

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