Client-Ready PM

Escalation

Stuck on an Approval for 3 Weeks: The Escalation Message to Send

Published September 26, 2026

Stuck on an Approval for 3 Weeks: The Escalation Message to SendWatch on YouTube, 0:48Sep 26, 2026VideoScriptPractice sheet

Know Exactly What to Say

The full script is below, word for word, for when a problem has to go to someone more senior. Copy it, change the names and dates, and it is ready to send or say.

Practice It Before the Real Conversation

Preview of the practice sheet for Stuck on an Approval for 3 Weeks: The Escalation Message to Send

A printable PDF. Say the lines out loud, then fill in your own project's names and dates, so the words are yours before the client is on the line.

Download the practice sheet (PDF)

How to Use a Script

Four steps:

  1. Watch the video once.
  2. Copy the script. Change the names, dates, and numbers to match your project.
  3. Say it out loud until it sounds like you. Use the practice sheet if the page has one.
  4. Use it in the real conversation, in the email or on the call.

The Script

Word for word, as said in the video. Copy it and change the names, dates, and numbers to match your project.

ScriptStuck on an Approval for 3 Weeks: The Escalation Message to Send

Escalate the issue. Not the emotion. I need to escalate a blocker on the parking structure design.

We have been waiting on the traffic study approval for three weeks. Without it, we cannot finalize the structural layout or begin the foundation permit application.

Three options.

  1. A. Proceed with design at risk and rework if the study requires changes.
  2. B. Pause design until approval arrives.
  3. C. Redesign the entry configuration to remove the traffic study dependency entirely.

I recommend Option C. It keeps the project moving and eliminates the bottleneck. I need a decision by April 14th to prevent further delays to the permit timeline.

Free script pack

Get the Free Escalation Script Pack

The next conversation will not sound like this one. The free Escalation pack gives you five more scripts for when a problem has to go to someone more senior, each in friendly, neutral, and firm versions, so the right words are ready before you need them.

The pack arrives by email in a few minutes. After that, the weekly newsletter.

Your address is used only for the pack and the newsletter. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.