Every time I see “ASAP” in an email, I roll my eyes 🙄. Not because I don’t care. But because it tells me… nothing.
ASAP could mean “in 10 minutes” or “by end of week.” And when everything is urgent, nothing really is.
Working as an executive assistant taught me this:
If you want something done well and on time, say exactly when you need it and why.
→ People have different priorities.
→ Your priority isn’t theirs, unless you give them a good reason.
→ Clear deadlines? They’re easier to follow and harder to ignore.
Now, here’s the tricky part:
ASAP doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere.
In the U.S., it often means do it now.
🌍 In other places, it just means soon, could be today, or next week.
So here are my quick tips for global teams:
✅ Say “by Friday, 4 p.m.” instead of “ASAP”
✅ Use clear subject lines like “Project X – Approval needed”
✅ If it’s truly urgent, call first – then follow up by email
I’m curious: How do YOU interpret “ASAP”? And where are you from?
