Client Message: Asking for a Decision or Unblocking Work

Purpose: get a fast decision from the client when you are blocked or need approval.

Use it when: you have been blocked for 30 minutes, need approval for something risky, or have questions on a task.

Goal: a one-word reply ("yes", "1", "go") that lets you continue.

Version: v1.0

Before you send

You tried to solve it yourself (Client Workflow Record, past emails, task card)
You can state the problem in one sentence
You have two or three options and a recommendation
You know the deadline that depends on the answer
All questions batched into one message

The flow

1. Context in one line

You: Hi (CLIENT FIRST NAME), two quick decisions on the invoice batch, so I can finish by 3:00 PM ET.

Why it works: the client knows how many questions and why they matter before reading further.

2. Numbered questions, each with a recommendation

You:

Invoice from (SUPPLIER NAME), 1,240 USD, has no purchase order. My suggestion: hold it and ask (MANAGER NAME) to confirm. OK?
(SUPPLIER NAME) billed 18 units, but the delivery note shows 16. My suggestion: enter as billed and flag for your review, so the payment is not delayed. Or should I hold it?

Why it works: numbered items let the client answer "1 yes, 2 hold" in seconds.

3. What happens if there is no answer

You: If I do not hear back by 2:00 PM ET, I will hold both and finish the rest of the batch.

Why it works: a safe default keeps work moving without taking risk.

The read back (for risky actions)

Anything involving money, deletion, mass sending or legal documents needs a read back, even when the instruction seems clear.

You: Confirming before I start: send the price update email to all 340 active customers tomorrow, Thursday, at 9:00 AM ET, using the draft you approved today. Correct?

Wait for a written "yes". A call or voice note must be followed by a written confirmation.

If the client replies "do whatever you think"

You: Will do. I will go with my suggestions. For next time, would you like me to always hold invoices without a PO? I can add it to your rules.

Update the Client Workflow Record if they agree.

If the client does not reply and the deadline is close

Follow the urgent path in the Client Workflow Record (for example a team channel mention or a phone call). If it is P2 or above, follow the Escalation Ladder in Narqix Standards and tell your Narqix lead.

Bad versus good

Bad	Good
"Hi" (then waiting)	One complete message with context and questions
"What should I do with the invoices?"	"Hold the one without a PO? My suggestion: yes."
Five messages over an hour	One numbered message
"Please advise"	"Reply 1 or 2"

After you send

Note the open questions in your tracker with the time asked.
When answered, act the same shift and confirm: "Done: held 1, entered 2 with flag."
If the answer creates a new rule, update the Client Workflow Record and its change log.

Never do this: never treat silence as approval for anything risky. No reply means you take the safe option (hold, wait, do not send), never the risky one.