If you manage or work with an offshore or outsourced team, you've probably said something like "please handle this as soon as possible" — and then felt confused when it didn't get handled the way you expected.

Here's the thing: "As soon as possible" is not a deadline. It's a feeling. And feelings don't translate well across time zones, cultures, or busy inboxes.

In my own years working inside outsourced and offshore operations, the instructions that got acted on fastest were never the most polite ones — they were the most specific ones:

• Vague: "Please handle this soon."
• Specific: "Please complete this by 3 PM Manila time today."
• Vague: "This is important."
• Specific: "This affects the client's deadline tomorrow morning."

This isn't about being blunt or cold. It's about giving your team something concrete to act on, instead of something to interpret. The clearer your ask, the faster — and more accurately — it gets done.

Let's Practice in the Comments!

Have you ever had an instruction get "lost in translation" with a remote team member? Leave a comment below with a vague instruction you use often, and I will personally reply with a polished, high-clarity alternative!