Why You're Always Chasing People

The Overlooked Work of Getting Others to Do What They Have Already Agreed to

Read Time: 5 minutes

You assigned the task.
You got the nod.
You even added it to the system and included it in the standup.

And still, nothing happened.

So you follow up.
Then you follow up again.
Then you wonder if you are the only one who remembers what needs to be done.

Let’s talk about the work of follow-up...

What it is, why it matters, and how to do it without burning out or breaking trust.

The Hidden Job of Follow-Up

This is one of the most frustrating parts of project management.
But it is also one of the most essential.

Follow-up may feel tedious, but it is the glue that holds delivery together when everything else gets busy:

• People forget, even when they mean well. Most people are juggling too many things. Tasks fall through the cracks. You are the safety net.

• Lack of action is not always resistance. Sometimes, it is due to confusion or unclear ownership. Or waiting on something unstated.

• Most systems are passive. Just logging the task does not complete it. PMs create the momentum that moves things forward.

How to Follow Up Without Feeling Like a Nudge

Use these techniques to follow up with confidence, clarity, and respect without sounding like a broken record:

✅ Make your first message frictionless. Say, “Just checking in. Is there anything blocking this?” Framing it around support, not blame, keeps the door open.

✅ Reference the commitment, not just the task. Say, “You mentioned finishing this by Tuesday. Still good for that?” That centers ownership in their own words.

✅ Always bring clarity to next steps. “Do you need help unblocking this or want me to reassign?” That moves the conversation from delay to action.

✅ Escalate with context, not frustration. When you do need to loop in others, say, “We’ve had X delays, and I want to make sure this gets the support it needs.” That shows leadership, not complaint.

A PM in our community shared how he was chasing the same task for 11 days. Instead of escalating emotionally, he shared a visual of the blockers with timelines and dependencies. It got resolved in 24 hours, and his manager thanked him for the transparency.

You Are Not Just a Reminder System

You are doing emotional labor.
You are holding people accountable.
You are keeping the promise of delivery alive.

The work you do chasing updates is real.
Even if it is not listed on any resume.
Even if your leadership does not celebrate it.

But inside every successful project is a project manager who quietly ensures things move forward.
And you are the reason they did.

And that's how accountability is built between the milestones.

👇 Your Turn

Have you had to lead when someone above you was unclear or missing?

👉 Share your story in the comments below or respond to this email.

You might be featured in an upcoming spotlight!