How do I follow up after trying a suggestion from a colleague?
Quick answer
Thank your colleague, name the suggestion you tried, and briefly describe what you did and noticed. If the result is mixed or unclear, say so without overstating what one attempt shows. End with one focused question if you need clarification, or mention your next step. A concise, honest update is more useful than a bare “thanks” or an unsupported claim that the suggestion worked.
The question, the details, the next step.
A colleague gave me a suggestion, and I tried it. What should I include when I follow up so it feels useful rather than like a bare “thanks”?
Close the loop with four things: thank them, name the suggestion, say what you tried, and share what you noticed. Then add a focused question or your next step if either would be useful. Keep the account brief and don’t treat one attempt as proof that an idea works or doesn’t.
For example: “Thanks for suggesting that I send the agenda before the planning meeting. I sent it the afternoon before and invited people to add topics. Two people added items, so we started with a clearer list. I’m not sure whether it shortened the discussion, but I’ll try it again next time.”
The details make your thanks specific and give your colleague something concrete to respond to, without turning the exchange into a formal report.
What if the result was mixed, or I’m not sure the suggestion made a difference? I don’t want to sound ungrateful.
You can be appreciative and candid at the same time. Separate what you did from what you think the result means. Phrases such as “I noticed” or “I can’t tell yet” help keep your conclusion proportionate.
For example: “Thanks for suggesting I send the agenda ahead of time. I tried it for Tuesday’s meeting. A couple of people added topics, though I can’t tell whether that made the meeting more focused. I’ll see what happens next time.”
If you didn’t notice the change you hoped for, say so neutrally: “I tried the approach you suggested, but I didn’t see the change I was hoping for. Would you adjust it, or try something different?” You don’t need to pretend it worked. If the work issue is sensitive, stick to the details needed for this conversation.
Could you give me a short message to adapt, including a way to ask for clarification without making my colleague responsible for fixing everything?
Make the question narrow and optional, and say what you’ll do in the meantime. For example:
“Thanks for suggesting [specific idea]. I tried [what you did] on [occasion or task]. I noticed [specific observation]. I’m still unsure about [one point]. If you have a moment, how would you approach [focused question]? No worries if you’re busy—I’ll [your next step] in the meantime.”
A filled-in version: “Thanks for suggesting I send the agenda before the planning meeting. I tried it on Tuesday and invited people to add topics. Two topics were added, though I’m not sure yet whether the meeting was more focused. If you have a moment, would you keep the same timing or send it earlier? I’ll try the same approach once more in the meantime.”
Ask one answerable question rather than bundling several issues together. If you need a longer discussion, ask whether they have time to talk.
When should I send the follow-up if the suggestion needs more than one attempt before I can say anything useful?
Send an update when you have a real observation to share. You don’t need a final verdict: label an early impression as early, and say what you plan to observe next. If you’re trying the idea more than once, you can follow up again after you have more experience with it.
For example: “I’ve tried the new opening question in one check-in. It helped me get to the main topic, but it’s too early to tell whether it will work consistently. I’ll try it in the next two and let you know what I notice.”
Keep the update brief and accurate. Your colleague doesn’t need to agree with your interpretation; a clear account of what you tried and what remains uncertain is enough.
A practical checklist
Name the specific suggestion.
Say what you tried, with enough detail to make the attempt clear.
Describe what you noticed without overstating the result.
If the result is unclear, say so directly and appreciatively.
Ask one focused question or state your next step.
A few more useful answers
Do I need to follow up if the suggestion did not work?
A short, candid note can still be useful. Thank them, say what you tried, and describe what you noticed. You can ask whether they would adjust the idea without implying they must solve the issue.
Should I report every detail of what I tried?
No. Include only enough for your colleague to understand the attempt and your observation.
What if I haven’t had time to try the suggestion yet?
Thank them and, if you know, say when you expect to try it. If plans change, a brief update is clearer than implying you tested it.