Effective communication is key in any professional or personal setting. When you’re working with someone on a project, making decisions, or navigating a situation, it’s important to give the other party the space to share their preferences.
Instead of repeating the phrase “Let me know how you would like to proceed” over and over, there are many alternative ways to convey the same message.
Each of these alternatives adds variety to your language, and depending on the tone and context, it can feel more casual, formal, or accommodating.
The way we ask for feedback or direction can have a big impact on the response we receive. A phrase like “Let me know how you would like to proceed” can sometimes come across as rigid or impersonal, especially if used repeatedly.
However, expanding your vocabulary and switching up your approach, can foster more open dialogue, make others feel more comfortable, and maintain a positive tone.
In this article, I will explore 20 other ways to say “Let me know how you would like to proceed” and help you communicate with greater flexibility and clarity.
Whether you’re coordinating a team, negotiating with a client, or simply communicating with a friend, knowing how to ask someone for their preferred course of action can make the conversation flow more smoothly.
Ready? Let’s dive into these 20 alternatives that you can use in different situations.
20 Other Ways to Say “Let Me Know How You Would Like to Proceed”
- What would you prefer moving forward?
- How would you like to proceed with this?
- What are your thoughts on the next steps?
- What’s your preferred approach?
- Do you have a recommendation for how we should proceed?
- What’s your plan for the next steps?
- How do you suggest we move forward?
- How would you like to handle this?
- What action would you like to take?
- What’s your suggestion for next steps?
- How would you like to address this moving forward?
- What would be your preferred next step?
- How do you want to go about this?
- Do you have any preferences on how we proceed?
- How do you envision the next steps?
- How do you see things moving forward?
- What’s your opinion on how to move forward?
- What would you like to do next?
- How do you want to approach this?
- What’s your decision on how to move forward?
1. What would you prefer moving forward?
This phrase is simple, polite, and shows that you are giving the other person the opportunity to make the next move. It’s great for situations where you want to make it clear that you are open to their input.
Example 1:
- We’ve discussed the potential changes to the project. What would you prefer moving forward?
Example 2:
- Should we go to the movies or try a new restaurant tonight? What would you prefer moving forward?
It keeps the tone open and flexible, making it a great choice for most interactions.
2. How would you like to proceed with this?
This is a direct and straightforward option, which still leaves room for the other person’s choice. It works well when you need a decision to be made but want the other person to feel empowered in making it.
Example 1:
- I’ve outlined the next steps. How would you like to proceed with this?
Example 2:
- We’ve got a few options for dinner. How would you like to proceed with this?
This phrase is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
3. What are your thoughts on the next steps?
This is another excellent way to ask for direction. Through using “your thoughts,” you make the conversation feel more collaborative, encouraging the other person to share their perspective openly.
Example 1:
- We’ve reviewed the report. What are your thoughts on the next steps?
Example 2:
- That’s the movie lineup I came up with. What are your thoughts on the next steps?
This phrase emphasizes the importance of the other person’s opinion, making it a great choice for more collaborative or team-oriented settings.
4. What’s your preferred approach?
This one is a bit more open-ended and encourages the other person to decide the manner in which they’d like to move forward. It feels less like a command and more like an invitation to share preferences.
Example 1:
- We’ve explored a couple of options for the presentation. What’s your preferred approach?
Example 2:
- I was thinking about going hiking this weekend. What’s your preferred approach?
It is a polite and flexible way of asking for input while also signaling that you’re open to different possibilities.
5. Do you have a recommendation for how we should proceed?
When you use the word “recommendation,” you put the ball in the other person’s court without directly asking for their opinion. This can be useful in situations where the other person may have more expertise or experience on the matter.
Example 1:
- Given your knowledge of the market, do you have a recommendation for how we should proceed?
Example 2:
- Do you have a recommendation for how we should tackle this weekend’s plans?
This phrase conveys a sense of respect for the other person’s experience or preferences, which can create a more positive dialogue.
6. What’s your plan for the next steps?
This option is great for encouraging the other person to take the lead. It shows that you’re interested in hearing their ideas, and it gives them the autonomy to decide how to move forward.
Example 1:
- We’ve completed phase one of the project. What’s your plan for the next steps?
Example 2:
- What’s your plan for the next steps in our weekend getaway?
It’s a direct and clear way to ask for direction without overcomplicating things.
7. How do you suggest we move forward?
This phrase puts the task on the other person to offer a suggestion, showing that you are open to their input. It’s slightly more formal than some of the others but still works in most scenarios.
Example 1:
- After reviewing the feedback, how do you suggest we move forward?
Example 2:
- I’ve made a few changes to the itinerary. How do you suggest we move forward?
Using “suggest’ implies that you’re open to their ideas without requiring them to make a final decision immediately.
8. How would you like to handle this?
This phrase works well when the next steps are unclear or when you’re dealing with a sensitive issue. It’s polite, but it also leaves room for the other person to make a decision based on their comfort level or expertise.
Example 1:
- Considering the budget constraints, how would you like to handle this situation?
Example 2:
- There’s a bit of a dilemma with the plans. How would you like to handle this?
This is especially useful when things are uncertain and you need to allow the other person some space to decide.
9. What action would you like to take?
This is a more formal phrase, but it’s effective in situations where you’re dealing with business decisions or serious matters. It’s concise and to the point, making it ideal for professional settings.
Example 1:
- Based on the current results, what action would you like to take?
Example 2:
- I’ve got a few ideas for the weekend. What action would you like to take?
It’s a great way to get a clear response, especially when decisions need to be made promptly.
10. What’s your suggestion for next steps?
When you ask the question this way, you encourage the other person to suggest a course of action. It’s similar to asking for a recommendation, but it places more emphasis on their specific plan.
Example 1:
- What’s your suggestion for next steps regarding the marketing strategy?
Example 2:
- What’s your suggestion for next steps in planning our vacation?
This approach invites collaboration and ensures that the conversation remains open and productive.
11. How would you like to address this moving forward?
This phrase is a bit more formal and is useful in situations that require tact and diplomacy. It’s ideal for addressing issues that may require a more thoughtful response.
Example 1:
- There have been some challenges with the project. How would you like to address this moving forward?
Example 2:
- Should we meet for coffee or take a walk? How would you like to address this moving forward?
It works well when you want to ensure that the next steps are handled with care and consideration.
12. What would be your preferred next step?
This expression is ideal when you are presenting a few options and want the other person to choose the one that best suits them. It’s polite and leaves room for a decision without any pressure.
Example 1:
- We’ve outlined three possible solutions. What would be your preferred next step?
Example 2:
- We have a few different restaurant choices for dinner. What would be your preferred next step?
This is a great option when you want to give someone some flexibility while keeping the decision-making process straightforward.
13. How do you want to go about this?
This is an informal, friendly way to ask for direction, making it a good choice when you’re working with colleagues or friends. It shows that you’re open to suggestions while still keeping things relaxed.
Example 1:
- We’ve got a few paths we could take. How do you want to go about this?
Example 2:
- Should we start with a coffee or just dive into the hike? How do you want to go about this?
It’s a conversational way to ask for the next steps and encourages input without sounding too stiff or formal.
14. Do you have any preferences on how we proceed?
This expression asks for direction in a very gentle and considerate way. It works well when the other person may have multiple choices and you want to let them express their preferences freely.
Example 1:
- We could either delay the meeting or move forward. Do you have any preferences on how we proceed?
Example 2:
- We could either order takeout or cook dinner. Do you have any preferences on how we proceed?
It’s a polite and respectful way to ask for the next steps, especially when options are open.
15. How do you envision the next steps?
This phrase adds a bit more creativity and imagination into the conversation, implying that you’re not just looking for a practical solution but also want to hear the other person’s vision for how things might unfold.
Example 1:
- How do you envision the next steps in this partnership?
Example 2:
- How do you envision the next steps in planning our weekend getaway?
It’s perfect for situations where you want to involve the other person in shaping the direction of the project or conversation.
16. How do you see things moving forward?
This phrase above has a slightly more reflective tone, and it’s ideal when you want the other person to take some time to think about how things should proceed, especially when there are many factors at play.
Example 1:
- Considering all the factors, how do you see things moving forward?
Example 2:
- After our discussion, how do you see things moving forward for our weekend?
It’s a gentle way to ask for someone’s perspective while signaling that you’re ready to hear their input.
17. What’s your opinion on how to move forward?
Asking for someone’s opinion indicates you invite them to express their thoughts without necessarily expecting a solution right away. It’s an easy way to keep the conversation going.
Example 1:
- What’s your opinion on how to move forward with the next phase of development?
Example 2:
- Given our choices, what’s your opinion on how to move forward?
These phrases are ideal when you want to keep things conversational and open.
18. What would you like to do next?
This is a simple and casual way to ask someone for their decision. It’s effective because it’s non-pressuring and gives them full control over what happens next.
Example 1:
- We’ve completed the initial phase. What would you like to do next?
Example 2:
- Do you want to grab lunch now, or should we go for a walk first? What would you like to do next?
It’s perfect for informal settings but can also work in more casual professional situations.
19. How do you want to approach this?
This is another straightforward way to ask for the next steps. It suggests you’re open to different ways of handling a situation and want the other person to choose what they feel is best.
Example 1:
- How do you want to approach the upcoming negotiations?
Example 2:
- How do you want to approach planning our weekend activities?
20. What’s your decision on how to move forward?
This is the most direct alternative, perfect when you need a clear answer and want to move the conversation toward a conclusion. It works well when the decision needs to be made quickly.
Example 1:
- We’ve covered all the points in the proposal. What’s your decision on how to move forward?
Example 2:
- We’ve gone over the weekend plans. What’s your decision on how to move forward?
It’s efficient and to the point, ideal for situations where you need clarity and swift action.
Footnote
Your communication can be greatly improved by knowing how to ask for someone’s opinion, guidance, or decision.
Instead of sticking to the same phrase every time, mixing up your approach will allow you to keep conversations fresh and encourage more meaningful exchanges.
These 20 options will assist you in asking for the next steps in a way that is appropriate for the circumstance and feels interesting, whether you are working on a business project, arranging informal plans with friends, or working in a collaborative setting.
Selecting one of these options will help you advance the discussion and make sure that everyone feels heard and understood the next time you need guidance or advice.
