I think we’ve got different versions.
Resolve a misunderstanding without blaming your colleague.
The product prices went out on time. Later, Nina sees a different delivery figure in an older file. You need to identify the difference and agree which version to use.
1 · Notice the conversation
Nina: I thought delivery was included.
Orange: It is in the revised quote. Which version are you looking at?
Nina: The one you sent this morning.
Orange: Ah, that was the product prices only. I sent the full quote at four.
Nina: Right, I missed that. Could you send it again?
Orange: Of course. I’ll put “final quote” in the subject line so it’s easy to find.
Nina: Thanks. I’ll use that one for the client.
2 · Understand what each phrase does
Which version are you looking at?
Find the source of a difference.
It is in the revised quote. Which version are you looking at?
“You’re looking at the wrong one” assumes the answer and can sound blaming. A question lets you check first. 先查对方在看哪份，不先断定是对方弄错。Ah, that was …
Connect the new information to an explanation.
Ah, that was the product prices only.
“Ah” can signal that you now understand the mix-up. The explanation matters more than using this exact word. Ah 表示现在明白误会在哪了，后面解释事实。so it’s easy to find
Explain a useful next step.
I’ll put “final quote” in the subject line so it’s easy to find.
This is a reason inside a practical reply. You do not need to turn every reason into a formal mini-presentation. 理由直接接在行动后，说明这个动作如何帮到对方。3 · Rehearse, then change the details
It is in the revised quote. Which version are you looking at?
Ah, that was the product prices only. I sent the full quote at four.
Of course. I’ll put “final quote” in the subject line so it’s easy to find.
Keep the purpose; change the person, document or time. A simple, accurate sentence is enough.
4 · Respond to your colleague
I thought delivery was included.
Confirm the fact, then check the version.
See one possible reply
It is in the revised quote. Which version are you looking at?
The one you sent this morning.
Explain what that file contained and when the full one was sent.
See one possible reply
Ah, that was the product prices only. I sent the full quote at four.
Right, I missed that. Could you send it again?
Offer a helpful next action and a short reason.
See one possible reply
Of course. I’ll put “final quote” in the subject line so it’s easy to find.
5 · Try a different situation
A teammate thinks tomorrow’s meeting starts at nine. The first invitation said nine; the updated invitation says ten. You sent the update yesterday, but they may not have seen it.
Are we still meeting at nine tomorrow?
State the current time and check their invitation.
Yes. Mine says nine.
Explain the change without blaming them.
Could you send me the new one?
Send the update and confirm the agreed time.
- I checked which invitation my colleague was using.
- I explained the time change without blaming them.
- I confirmed ten tomorrow as the shared plan.
6 · Recall without the model tomorrow
A colleague has a different deadline from yours. Ask a question that helps you find the source of the difference.