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Even in an era of Slack, Teams, and virtual meetings, email remains the primary channel to reach leaders.
Daily global email traffic has surged past 375 billion, making it harder than ever to cut through. For executives trying to connect with other leaders, mastering the craft of email is critical. Korn Ferry experts share seven ways to stand out:
1. Lead with a clear ask.
Executives don’t have time to hunt for your purpose. Put your call to action upfront, and anchor it to a deadline.
2. Mention shared interests.
Build rapport by referencing common ground—whether industry challenges, networks, or passions. Keep the tone upbeat, positive, and collegial.
3. Avoid “following up.”
Instead of the tired phrase, re-engage with a specific prompt: “What questions do you have after reviewing the report?” This keeps the conversation constructive.
4. Proofread and double-check attachments.
Errors undermine credibility. Precision signals professionalism, especially when emailing senior leaders.
5. Time it right.
Skip Mondays and Fridays if possible—emails often get buried in deadline clutter. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are best for networking or outreach.
6. Match the executive’s rhythm.
Early morning or late evening sends increase visibility in overflowing inboxes. Use subject lines with clear actions: “Requesting your sign-off” or “Scheduling time this week.”
7. Provoke a response when needed.
If silence lingers, a subject line like “Did you see my earlier note?” can nudge action—though it should be used sparingly.
Closing matters.
Executives notice how you sign off. Today’s norm is semi-formal: often just a name, sometimes with a simple thank you.
The Takeaway
When reaching out to executives among the 1.3 million leaders we follow across 80,000 top companies, email remains the most effective tool—if used with precision. Clear asks, thoughtful timing, and authentic tone separate ignored emails from those that spark meaningful dialogue.
Special thanks to Maria Amato, Senior Client Partner (Washington, DC), and Kendra Marion, Vice President of Global Assessment Services (Toronto), for sharing their valuable insights.
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