No "Any Updates?"

A better way to ask for project updates

Please don't say just
"Any updates?"

It's a conversation killer and forces the recipient to guess what you actually want to know.

The Problem

When you ask "Any updates?" without context, you're creating unnecessary friction:

  • Ambiguity: Which project? What aspect? What timeline?
  • Inefficiency: Forces back-and-forth clarification
  • Interruption: Breaks the recipient's flow to decode your request
  • Frustration: Creates mental overhead for everyone involved

The Solution

Instead, provide context and be specific about what you need:

  • Specify the project: "Updates on the Johnson project"
  • Define the scope: "Status of the design phase"
  • Set expectations: "When can we expect completion?"
  • Offer help: "Any blockers I can help with?"

Better Examples

✗

Don't do this

"Any updates?"

✓

Do this instead

"Hi! Could you share the current status of the Johnson project? Specifically, I'm wondering if the design mockups have been approved and when we might expect the development phase to begin."

✗

Don't do this

"How's it going?"

✓

Do this instead

"Hi Sarah! I wanted to check on the progress of the API integration we discussed last week. Are you facing any blockers, and is the timeline still looking good for Friday's deadline?"

✗

Don't do this

"Updates?"

✓

Do this instead

"Hey team! Could you provide an update on the Q4 budget review? I'm particularly interested in whether legal has signed off on the contract terms and if there are any changes to the projected costs."

Use This Template

Hi [Name]! I wanted to check on the progress of [specific project/task]. Could you share the current status of [specific aspect]? I'm particularly interested in [specific question]. Are there any blockers I can help with?

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