A kinder way to say “pick up the pace”
Why it can fall flat
“pick up the pace”
Leaves out any date or target, so “pick up the pace” can sound like a verdict on someone's effort. The writer usually wants a specific result by a specific time.
Say this instead
- 01
Hi Kayla, the weekly status reports have been arriving later than planned. I need them by Thursday noon from now on. If anything is getting in the way, let me know what it is.
Someone you manage · Email
Lateness has become a pattern here, so this states it, names the target and invites them to raise obstacles.
- 02
Hi Isaac, to keep to the agreed launch date, we need the signed-off copy by Friday. Could you confirm you can send it by then?
Client · Email
Tying the request to the launch date you both agreed makes it read as a shared deadline rather than pressure.
- 03
Hi Kavya, the design slides for the Q3 deck are still outstanding and the review is on Friday. Could you ask the design team for them by Wednesday? That leaves time for edits.
Boss · Email
The delay sits outside your control, so you ask your boss to step in and give both a date and a reason.
- 04
Can we speed up on the test cases? I'd like them wrapped up by 3 so we have time to review before the release.
Coworker · Chat
Between peers this works because it asks a question and gives a clear time and purpose.
- 05
Time is tight for the 5pm handoff. Can you send your section by 3? That gives me enough time to merge everything.
Coworker · SMS
A same-day crunch calls for a quick text, and this gives one concrete deadline.
- 06
Hi Varsha, could you share the expected timeline for the next steps? If a decision can come by Friday, that would help me plan.
Recruiter / HR · Email
When a hiring process has gone quiet, this asks for a timeline and names a date without making demands.
- 07
Hi Noor, we need your confirmed delivery address by Wednesday to ship on time. Please reply when you can.
Customer · SMS
An order is waiting on the customer, so this explains the deadline and says what you need.
- 08
The review queue is growing. Can you aim to clear five tickets a day this week? Tell me if something is blocking you.
Someone you manage · Chat
For a short-term backlog, this gives a measurable target and leaves room for them to mention blockers.
Examples
Hi Tom, The vendor comparison is due to the client on Friday, and the pricing section is still open. Could you send your draft by Wednesday noon? That gives us a day to review before it goes out. Thanks, Lena
Hey, the launch checklist is still half done and we need it finished by Thursday. Can you take the first five items today? Shout if anything is blocking you.
What to avoid
- Criticizing the person's work ethic backfires, so describe the delay and the date you need instead.
- Vague urgency like “ASAP” or “as soon as possible” means little without a day or time.
- Sarcasm such as “Any chance we could finish this year?” will damage trust.
- Copying in others to add pressure only makes sense when they genuinely need to know.