We’ve all been there – you’re eagerly awaiting a response or decision, only to be met with the dreaded “I will get back to you.” It’s a phrase that can elicit a range of emotions, from frustration and impatience to resignation and understanding.
While it’s natural to feel a twinge of annoyance when faced with this ambiguous statement (because it isn’t stating WHEN), it’s crucial to maintain professionalism and respond in a courteous manner. After all, the person on the other end may have legitimate reasons for needing more time, and an overly aggressive or impatient reaction could damage the relationship or hinder future communication.
However, this answer is a vague, non-committal response that leaves you hanging, unsure of when – or even if – you’ll receive the information or decision you’re seeking.
I’ve learned that responding with poise and diplomacy is the best approach, no matter how tempting it might be to lash out or express exasperation.
Polite replies
Acknowledgment and appreciation
- “Thank you for letting me know. I look forward to hearing from you.”
- “I appreciate your prompt response. Take your time.”
- “Thanks for the update. I’ll be ready whenever you have the information.”
- “No problem at all. I’m grateful for your transparency.”
- “I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I’ll await your follow-up.”
By acknowledging their message and expressing appreciation, you maintain a positive and professional tone, even if you’re feeling impatient or frustrated internally.
Expressing understanding
- “No problem, take all the time you need to gather the information.”
- “I understand, please reach out whenever you’re ready.”
- “I completely understand. This allows me to focus on other tasks in the meantime.”
- “No worries, I know these things can take time. I’ll be patient.”
- “I appreciate your honesty. Take as much time as you need.”
Conveying understanding and patience can go a long way in maintaining a positive relationship, even when faced with delays or uncertainty.
Offering assistance
- “If you need any further clarification, feel free to ask.”
- “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help expedite the process.”
- “If you require any additional information from me, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
- “I’m happy to provide any resources or support that could be helpful.”
- “Feel free to loop me in if you encounter any roadblocks along the way.”
By offering assistance, you demonstrate a willingness to collaborate and help move the process forward, rather than simply waiting passively.
How to follow up if you can’t wait anymore?
The two best ways of following up on “I Will Get Back To You” answer (if you can’t wait anymore) are gentle reminders and you reaffirming availability.
Here is a few direct examples of both:
Gentle reminders
- “Just a friendly reminder that I’m still here whenever you’re ready.”
- “I wanted to check in and see if there’s any update on your end.”
- “As a gentle follow-up, I wanted to inquire about the status of our previous discussion.”
- “I hope this finds you well. I’m circling back to see if you’ve had a chance to gather the necessary information.”
- “I don’t mean to be a bother, but I wanted to touch base and see if there’s any progress on your end.”
Gentle reminders can be helpful in keeping the conversation alive without coming across as overly pushy or demanding.
Reaffirming availability
- “I’m still available to discuss this whenever it’s convenient for you.”
- “Feel free to reach out whenever you’re ready to move forward.”
- “I wanted to reiterate that I’m here to help in any way I can whenever you’re ready.”
- “Please don’t hesitate to loop me back in when the time is right.”
- “I’ll be standing by, ready to assist as soon as you have an update.”
By reaffirming your availability and willingness to engage, you demonstrate patience and understanding while keeping the lines of communication open.
