Saying “what do you want” at work
Why it can fall flat
“what do you want”
The word “want” in “what do you want” makes the other person sound like a nuisance who must justify themselves. Usually you just need to learn what they need, and maybe set a limit on when you can deal with it.
Say this instead
- 01
Sure, what's up? Tell me what you need and when you need it by.
Boss · Chat
Use it when your boss pings you out of nowhere, since it asks for the task and the deadline in one go.
- 02
Thank you for your message. Could you tell me more about what you are looking for, so that I can give you a proper answer?
Client · Email
Pick this for a vague client request, because it asks for detail and shows you want to answer well.
- 03
Thank you for reaching out. Could you share what the role involves and what you would like to discuss with me?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Try it on a cold recruiter message, since it asks for specifics and commits you to nothing.
- 04
I am tied up today. Could you send a line or two on what you need, and I will reply once I have read it?
Coworker · Email
Reach for it when you are busy, because it asks for the point in writing and sets a limit without being curt.
- 05
Hi, thanks for getting in touch. What can we help you with? A few details will help us look into it.
Customer · SMS
Send it as a first reply to an unclear text, since it is friendly and asks for the details you need.
- 06
You wanted a word? What's on your mind, and what do you need from me?
Someone you manage · Chat
Say it when someone you manage asks for time, because it invites them to speak and keeps the question open.
- 07
Hey, what's this about? Give me the short version and I'll know how to help.
Coworker · Chat
Save it for a quick ping from a teammate, since it sounds casual and nudges them to get to the point.
- 08
Could you tell me what outcome you are after, so that I can fit it in with my current work?
Boss · Email
Choose it when a new request lands on a full plate, because it asks about the goal and raises priorities politely.
Examples
Hi Jessica, Thanks for your message. I am in back-to-back meetings until 3 pm, so could you tell me what you need and whether it has a deadline? Once I know, I can say when I can look at it. Best, Justin
I'm stuck in a meeting right now. Send me the gist and I'll get back to you in ten minutes.
What to avoid
- Sending the bare question alone in a short message reads flat, so add a greeting or a reason for asking.
- Adding “now” or “this time”, as in “What now?” or “What is it this time?”, suggests the person is a repeated nuisance.
- Asking people to justify why they are interrupting you, for example “Why are you bothering me with this?”, puts them on the defensive.
- A one-word “Yes?” feels like a closed door, so say what you are asking for.
- If you are busy, say when you can talk instead of being curt, so the person knows what to expect.