In the modern workplace, approvals are a tedious yet necessary part of the daily grind. If you want to get things done in a corporate or even a startup setup, then learning how to ask for approval from your boss is a critical skill that you must cultivate.
You must not only ensure that your email's content is convincing enough for your boss/manager to grant you the approval but also get them to pay enough attention to actually open and go through the email in its entirety.
So, in this post, we will look at how to draft an approval request email, hacks to get better approval rates and at the end, we will also share two sample email templates that you can just copy/paste and use it as your own. So let's get started.
Tips & Ideas to Remember
Consider the following factors when writing the email to your manager requesting approval.
When writing your email, edit thoroughly so that the messaging is precise and convincing. A long email doesn't necessary mean better approval rates.
Clearly state your purpose in terms of what you need the approval for and don't assume that your manager might know of your motivations or intentions.
When making a request, it is critical to be professional, so avoid slang, jargons, etc. Keep in mind that this is a workplace and you are not conversing with a friend.
Show respect and appreciation to your manager for their investment in reading through your request, this will make them feel valued and ergo improve your approval chances.
Best Practices for Approval Requests
To get higher rates of approval, implement the following:
Having a clear subject line is critical so as to interest your manager into opening the email. Something like "Approval Needed for [Project Name" should be good enough.
A good way to pitch for an approval is to showcase why you are the right person to do something and demonstrate your capabilities so as to nudge your manager to approve your request.
Providing sufficient context into the merits of the request and making a case for it would increase the probability of getting an approval.
When making a request, it is important to focus on solutions rather than problem. This will prove to your manager that you have proactively thought through the project.
Finally, thank your manager for taking the time to actually go through the proposal and considering possibilities. Showing gratitude will go a long way in building a healthy relationship with your manager.
Sample Approval Request Email
Sample Email 1 (Approval for Project and Resources)
Subject: Project [Name] Approval Request
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am [Your Name] from [Department or Team] and I am interesting in pursuing [Item for Approval]
[Explain the Item Including Importance, Benefits, and Challenges]
So I would like to request your approval for the [Item for Approval] and the resources listed below:
[Resource 1]
[Resource 2]
[Resource 3]
It would be great if you can soon approve this request after review. I would be happy to answer any questions or clarify details of the request.
Thank you for your continued investment in our growth and I look forward to hearing from your soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Email 2 (Approval for Project)
Subject: Request for [Project Name]'s Quick Approval
Dear [Manager's Name],
My name is [Your Name] and I have been researching on [Topic Related to Request] that I believe will greatly benefit our team and company.
I think success in [Item for Approval] is very likely given our current strengths and where the market is heading.
And to move forward, I would need your approval for [Request Duration]. Your timely response would be greatly appreciated.
I am also attaching the project details. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,[Your Name]
Conclusion
Asking your manager for approval via email can be a bit intimidating but it need not be. If you follow the best practices and hacks, your request approval rates should definitely improve. So go ahead and take the leap.
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