Saying “this is very important” at work
Why it can fall flat
“this is very important”
When a deadline is close, “this is very important” asks people to care without saying why, so it can read as pressure or a hint that they might ignore you. Most readers respond better to the reason and the deadline, which tell them what to do and when.
Say this instead
- 01
Flagging this as a priority: the supplier contract needs your sign-off by Thursday so we can keep to the schedule. Could you look at it today or tomorrow?
Boss · Chat
Use it with a boss when you need a decision, since a deadline and a reason do more than stressed urgency.
- 02
Heads up, this one is time-sensitive. Could you reply before the end of the day? The next steps in the plan depend on your answer.
Coworker · Chat
Try this with a coworker who is blocking your work, because it explains the knock-on effect without blaming them.
- 03
I want to make sure this doesn't get missed: we need your approval on the final draft by Friday so we can stay on schedule.
Client · Email
Choose it for client approvals that hold up a project, as it is polite, specific and sets a clear date.
- 04
Please make this your top priority today. If something else is in the way, tell me and we'll decide together what can move.
Someone you manage · Chat
Pick this when you manage the person, because it sets the priority and leaves room for them to raise conflicts.
- 05
Please take a moment to read the details below, as they affect your upcoming delivery. We need your confirmation by Monday to go ahead.
Customer · Email
Send it to a customer who must act, since it ties the request to their upcoming delivery.
- 06
Hi Uma, this is time-sensitive for me: could you confirm the Wednesday 10am slot by tomorrow noon? I need to arrange leave. Thanks!
Recruiter / HR · SMS
Text it to a recruiter when you need an answer to plan around, because it politely explains your deadline.
- 07
Please don't skip this one: the shared report is due at 5 pm today and your section is still empty. Thanks for sorting it!
Coworker · SMS
Send it as a short nudge near a deadline, since it names what is missing and by when.
Examples
Hi Deepak, I'm writing about last week's supplier invoice. It needs your approval by Wednesday so payment can go out on time. Could you check it today if possible? I've attached it again to save you searching. Thanks, Melissa
Quick flag: the venue needs our final headcount by 3 pm today. Could you send your team's numbers within the next hour? Thanks!
What to avoid
- Capital letters, bold text or several exclamation marks are a poor way to show importance.
- Stopping at “important” without saying why it matters and when you need a reply leaves the reader guessing.
- If every message is marked urgent, people stop noticing the ones that really are.
- Hinting at consequences or blame, such as “as I said before”, is unnecessary when a clear date will do.