Following up is the habit of remembering something someone shared with you and circling back to ask about it.

Following up signals that you're genuinely interested in what someone shared and that they matter to you.

The FLOW method—Feelings, Learn, Organize, Write—can help you turn following up from an idea to a habit.

In a typical week, we might have several conversations with friends or coworkers that go something like this:

You: How are you?Friend: Good! Well…my mom is having a major surgery next week. I’m a bit worried about her, so I’ll be with her in the hospital.You: Oh no! I’m sorry about your mom. I hope the surgery goes well!Friend: Thanks!You: I’ll be thinking of you and your mom.

You: How are you?Friend: Good! Well…my mom is having a major surgery next week. I’m a bit worried about her, so I’ll be with her in the hospital.You: Oh no! I’m sorry about your mom. I hope the surgery goes well!Friend: Thanks!You: I’ll be thinking of you and your mom.

Most of us mean that sincerely. But let’s be honest: A week later, we’re probably not still thinking about the surgery. We say, “I’ll be thinking of you” because it’s kind and polite, but often that’s where the conversation ends. And that’s a missed opportunity.

Imagine the conversation going slightly differently:

You: Which day is the surgery?Friend: Thursday morning. It starts at 9 and should take about three hours.You: Is there anything I can do to support you this week?Friend: No, but I appreciate you asking.

You: Which day is the surgery?Friend: Thursday morning. It starts at 9 and should take about three hours.You: Is there anything I can do to support you this week?Friend: No, but I appreciate you asking.

Now imagine you send a........

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