Being organised isn’t just about managing your own work. It’s about managing the dependencies around it.
The update you need from Finance.
The details Sam promised to send.
Even when the next step sits with someone else, the outcome can still be your responsibility. And when it stalls, your credibility can end up on the line.
That’s why following up is an important, yet often overlooked, part of staying on top of your game.
Everyone is juggling priorities and a constant stream of messages, emails, and online chats. Tasks get forgotten in the noise, and deadlines can get missed.
So, if your work relies on other people, don’t leave follow-up and task completion to chance. Build a system that creates clarity and accountability, and keeps work moving.
I use a simple framework called CODE.
C – Clarify next steps.
End conversations with clarity about who is doing what, and by when. It sounds simple, but this step gets missed more than you’d think. You can’t follow up well if the next step was never clear.
O – Organise and document.
You can’t follow up on what you can’t see.
Keep a simple list of what you’re waiting on, from whom, and when you need to check in. Then review it each week and add immediate follow-up actions to your daily to-do list.
D – Deliver reliably.
Do your part first. It’s much easier to hold others accountable when you’re reliable yourself. And when you make progress, let people know. It keeps momentum going.
E – Engage and follow up.
Nudge early, before urgency turns a friendly check-in into pressure. The best follow-up happens before something is overdue. “Due in three days” feels supportive. “Due in three hours” feels stressful.
Be direct, be diplomatic and, where you can, add value. Remind people why the task matters or link it back to a shared goal. Don’t rely purely on email; pick up the phone. A short conversation supports commitment.
And remember, good follow-up doesn’t just identify what’s missing. It notices progress. Acknowledging “Thanks, that’s helpful, because …” can strengthen relationships and boost motivation.
Done well, following up isn’t pushy. It’s professional persistence. And it’s one of the ways you keep work moving, build credibility and stay on top of your game.
If this resonated, you’ll love my most popular masterclass this year, Following Up: Direct, Diplomatic and Done. It’s part of my in-house training series.
