[Grammar] You might want to follow-up

[mallak.naveen]

Hi,

My manager says.

"Raj, You might want to follow up with Teresa on this."


Is it is a polite way or a commanding way of asking me to do something.

Can't he simply say " Raj, Please follow-up with Teresa on this".

Can someone please explain.

 

[billmcd]

Hi,

My manager says.

"Raj, You might want to follow up with Teresa on this."


Is it is a polite way or a commanding way of asking me to do something.

Can't he simply say " Raj, Please follow-up with Teresa on this".

Can someone please explain.

I would not feel offended if my boss responded as in your first example. In fact, the use of "might" leaves the option open to follow up or not, and if not, allow me to present an argument or reason why I might not want to follow up. Your second example doesn' allow me any option other than to follow up.

 

[charliedeut]

Hi,

Also, IMO, by using #1 the manager is suggesting that you follow up: there's a chance you'll learn something along the way (if you're more or less new to the company or Teresa is going to do something you are not used to, for example).

charliedeut