So I'm just marveling at how easy it is to be unclear in communication when you want something from someone. I received a message from someone and didn't act on it, mostly because I had no idea what the person really wanted me to do. I know I've made similar requests to people asking for some of their time quite often. It seems this happens with email a lot, but can happen face to face.
I think the clearest way to avoid this kind of problem is to be clear on what is wanted in the first place. Sometimes you're not really sure, and you just want to sit down and brainstorm or bounce some ideas off the other person. You can tell them that, and right away things become clearer.
What strategies do you employ to move people to action or get a response, or get what you would like from them? Especially via email?
