How to Update your Boss 10x Better

Hey guys,

I still remember the first time I sent my boss a project update that was all over the map—I had paragraphs of backstory, random details, and about three different “asks” crammed in. She read it, looked at me politely, and asked, “So…what do you need me to do here?” That’s when I realised: clarity is everything when it comes to communicating with your manager.

The truth is, your boss (and any manager, really) is juggling a ton of priorities, deadlines, and people. Delivering updates that are straightforward and crystal clear doesn’t just help them—it sets you apart as someone who knows how to communicate effectively. And trust me, you don’t need to write a novel to do it.

Be Clear on the Type of Update

One of the quickest fixes is to label your update for what it is:

• FYI: “I’m doing this—just letting you know.”

• Approval: “I’m doing this—do you approve?”

• Decision: “Can you help me choose between A, B, or C?”

• Closing the loop: “Remember that thing I was doing? Here’s how it wrapped up.”

This not only streamlines your manager’s decision-making but also helps you stay laser-focused on what you want from them.

See how much easier it is to read?

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Use a Simple Framework: What, Why, So What

When you’re informing your boss about something that happened, keep it tight with these three questions:

1. What happened?
   Share the event or situation without rambling. Just the facts, please.

2. Why did it happen?
   Offer a quick explanation of the cause or context so they understand the background.

3. So what?

   • Do you need anything from them?

   • What action are you taking?

   This is your chance to either ask for help, get a decision, or simply let them know you’ve got it covered.

A Quick Example

Say a deliverable is running late. Your update might look like this:

Notice how concise (but complete) that is? No extra fluff—just clarity.

Try It Out

Next time you send an update—whether it’s in Slack, email, or a quick call—start by labeling it as FYI, Approval, Decision, or Closing the Loop. Then follow up with What, Why, So What. I promise, your manager (and your future self) will thank you.

Call to Action: Give this a go today on your next update and see how your boss responds. Hit reply and let me know how it feels to communicate in such a concise way. I’d love to hear about your experience!

Until next time,

Ajay

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