“How's it going with the proposal? What do you need from me?”
B1 · Intermediate9 minPhrases
When you need this
The first time people report to you, the conversations change. You're the one who hands out work, checks progress and makes the final call, and your words carry more weight than they used to. A throwaway "This isn't great" from a manager can ruin someone's afternoon.
The people who report to you are often called your "directs" or "direct reports." Good managers talk to them in questions more than orders: "What's your plan?" and "What do you need from me?" hand over ownership and show trust. Requests are clear and have dates. Credit is specific and public, and support is offered without hovering. You're not trying to sound like a boss; you're trying to be the person they can bring problems to early.
Phrases
an open check-in about a piece of work
offering support
asking what's stopping progress
handing someone responsibility
a clear request with a date
letting them choose the approach
offering help without hovering
giving someone room to decide
asking to be told when something happens
telling people you're available to talk
asking someone to explain their work
thanking someone for specific work
asking their view before giving yours
Say it out loud
Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.
Practice · 3 min
Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.
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Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.