Don’t kick off an async discussion without a clear request and a deadline

“Any thoughts on any of that?” is not a clear request. Post that and you’ll be scratching your head at why nobody is responding, or why the responses are unhelpful tangents.

Adding some constraints around what you want from people makes it easier for them to respond. And everyone likes knowing when things are due, so give it a deadline even if it’s arbitrary.

Here’s a better request:

“With all that in mind, please answer these two questions by the end of this week: [specific questions go here]. And of course, if you have other thoughts/questions/concerns, let’s hear it!”