“Do better”: how to say it politely
Why it can fall flat
“do better”
A person who hears “do better” gets a verdict but no direction, so they leave unsure what was wrong or what good looks like. Usually you want a specific change in the work, with enough detail to act on.
Say this instead
- 01
I'd like the weekly report to include the figures and a two-line summary. Can we go through the last one together and agree what good looks like?
Someone you manage · Email
Use this when someone's work is below standard and needs a defined target, since it names the gap and offers to help.
- 02
The last two handovers didn't include the client's deadline. From now on, please put it at the top. Does that work for you?
Someone you manage · Chat
Repeated, fixable slips suit this one because it states the exact change and invites a quick yes.
- 03
Can we tighten up how we hand work over? When notes arrive late, I end up redoing parts. Could you send them by end of day?
Coworker · Chat
Good for a peer's habit that affects your work, since it explains the impact and asks for one concrete step.
- 04
Hi Rowan, the files were missing again today. Can you check the list before sending next time? It saves us both a chase.
Coworker · SMS
This suits a quick, informal nudge on the go, keeping the tone light but specific.
- 05
Could we agree a way for priority changes to reach me earlier? Late changes are making it hard to hit the deadlines we set.
Boss · Email
Raising a problem upward without blame is easier here because the request is tied to a shared goal.
- 06
To keep to the delivery date, we need feedback in one consolidated round. Could you send it as a single list by Friday?
Client · Email
Scattered client input that causes delays is the case for this one, since it links the request to their own deadline.
- 07
The last two interview times changed on the day. Could you confirm timings at least a day ahead? It helps me plan around them.
Recruiter / HR · Email
Short notice from a recruiter is where this fits, as it asks for a specific lead time.
- 08
Thanks for the draft. Sections 2 and 3 need more detail before it goes out. Can you revise by 3pm? Shout if anything is unclear.
Someone you manage · SMS
When you need a fast turnaround on a draft, this says where the gaps are and when you need it.
Examples
Hi Lauren, I've read the latest client summary. It covers the main points, but the next steps are hard to find and two figures don't match the spreadsheet. Could you move the next steps to the top and recheck the numbers before it goes out on Thursday? Happy to look at it together for ten minutes tomorrow if that helps. Thanks, Alex
Hi Terrence, the last two stand-up notes were sent after 5pm, so the team missed the actions. Could you post them by 3pm from now on? Let me know if that's not realistic.
What to avoid
- Don't use vague verdicts like “try harder” or “be more professional” without saying what you mean.
- Piling up past mistakes buries the point, so pick the one or two that matter now.
- A public channel is the wrong place when the issue is about one person.
- Sarcasm or hint-dropping hides the actual request, so say plainly what you need.