Knowing how to send an email on behalf of your boss is a critical professional skill for assistants, managers, executives, and administrative staff. These emails represent not just your boss’s voice, but also their authority, professionalism, and brand—making accuracy, tone, and etiquette essential.
Whether you’re coordinating meetings, responding to clients, or delivering official updates, mastering how to send an email on behalf of your boss ensures clear communication, prevents misunderstandings, and maintains organizational credibility. This guide breaks down best practices, formal wording options, and real-world examples to help you do it confidently and correctly.
⚡ Quick List: Ways to Send an Email on Behalf of Your Boss
- On behalf of [Name]
- Writing on behalf of [Name]
- Sent at the request of [Name]
- As directed by [Name]
- Representing [Name]
- Per [Name]’s instruction
- At the direction of [Name]
- For and on behalf of [Name]
- With [Name]’s authorization
- Acting on behalf of [Name]
- Conveying this message for [Name]
- As requested by [Name]
- On [Name]’s behalf
- Communicating for [Name]
- Writing with approval from [Name]
- As delegated by [Name]
- With permission from [Name]
- Representing the office of [Name]
- Per the guidance of [Name]
- In coordination with [Name]
- On instruction from leadership
- With executive authorization
- Acting in my capacity for [Name]
- For official purposes on behalf of [Name]
- Per management request
🏛️ Formal Ways to Send an Email on Behalf of Your Boss
These options are ideal when learning how to send an email on behalf of your boss in executive, legal, or high-stakes professional settings.
1. On behalf of [Name]
- Meaning: You are formally representing your boss
- Explanation: The most widely accepted professional phrasing
- Example: “I am writing on behalf of Ms. Carter regarding the upcoming meeting.”
- Best Use: Corporate and executive emails
- Worst Use: Casual internal chats
- Tone: Highly professional
2. Writing on behalf of [Name]
- Meaning: Clarifies delegated communication
- Explanation: Transparent and respectful
- Example: “I’m writing on behalf of Dr. Singh to confirm the schedule.”
- Best Use: External correspondence
- Worst Use: Informal settings
- Tone: Formal
3. Sent at the request of [Name]
- Meaning: Message authorized by your boss
- Explanation: Emphasizes instruction
- Example: “This email is sent at the request of Mr. Lopez.”
- Best Use: Sensitive updates
- Worst Use: Friendly emails
- Tone: Formal, authoritative
4. As directed by [Name]
- Meaning: Indicates leadership direction
- Explanation: Shows hierarchy clearly
- Example: “As directed by Ms. Allen, please review the attached file.”
- Best Use: Internal directives
- Worst Use: Casual reminders
- Tone: Firm, professional
5. For and on behalf of [Name]
- Meaning: Legal-level representation
- Explanation: Often used in contracts or legal contexts
- Example: “For and on behalf of Mr. Thomas, CEO.”
- Best Use: Legal or compliance emails
- Worst Use: Routine communication
- Tone: Very formal
6. Acting on behalf of [Name]
- Meaning: Temporary representation
- Explanation: Common during absence
- Example: “I am acting on behalf of Ms. Green while she is unavailable.”
- Best Use: Delegated authority
- Worst Use: Casual emails
- Tone: Professional
7. With authorization from [Name]
- Meaning: Explicit permission granted
- Explanation: Adds credibility
- Example: “With authorization from Mr. Patel, I’m sharing the update.”
- Best Use: External communication
- Worst Use: Team chats
- Tone: Formal
8. Per instruction from [Name]
- Meaning: Follows leadership request
- Explanation: Direct and concise
- Example: “Per instruction from Ms. Lewis, the deadline has changed.”
- Best Use: Corporate emails
- Worst Use: Informal replies
- Tone: Business-formal
9. Representing the office of [Name]
- Meaning: Institutional representation
- Explanation: Used for official correspondence
- Example: “Representing the office of the Director, I’m confirming…”
- Best Use: Government or academia
- Worst Use: Casual messages
- Tone: Official
10. Conveying this message for [Name]
- Meaning: Messenger role
- Explanation: Polite and transparent
- Example: “I’m conveying this message for Mr. Howard.”
- Best Use: External communication
- Worst Use: Legal notices
- Tone: Formal
⚖️ Semi-Formal & Neutral Ways to Send an Email on Behalf of Your Boss
These options balance clarity and warmth when explaining how to send an email on behalf of your boss in everyday professional communication.
1. On [Name]’s behalf
- Meaning: Representing your boss
- Explanation: Short and widely accepted
- Example: “I’m reaching out on Maria’s behalf.”
- Best Use: Workplace emails
- Worst Use: Legal matters
- Tone: Neutral-professional
2. Per [Name]’s request
- Meaning: Acting on instruction
- Explanation: Polite and direct
- Example: “Per John’s request, here’s the update.”
- Best Use: Internal emails
- Worst Use: Formal notices
- Tone: Neutral
3. With [Name]’s approval
- Meaning: Message reviewed or approved
- Explanation: Adds reassurance
- Example: “With Anna’s approval, I’m sharing the proposal.”
- Best Use: Client emails
- Worst Use: Casual messages
- Tone: Professional
4. Writing for [Name]
- Meaning: Simplified delegation
- Explanation: Clear and efficient
- Example: “I’m writing for David regarding the timeline.”
- Best Use: Internal communication
- Worst Use: Formal legal emails
- Tone: Neutral
5. As requested by [Name]
- Meaning: Direct request fulfilled
- Explanation: Friendly but professional
- Example: “As requested by Lisa, please find details below.”
- Best Use: Team emails
- Worst Use: Executive notices
- Tone: Polite
6. Coordinating for [Name]
- Meaning: Support role
- Explanation: Collaborative tone
- Example: “I’m coordinating for Mark on this project.”
- Best Use: Project emails
- Worst Use: Formal correspondence
- Tone: Neutral
7. Supporting [Name] on this matter
- Meaning: Assistance role
- Explanation: Less authoritative
- Example: “I’m supporting Jane on this matter.”
- Best Use: Internal teams
- Worst Use: External stakeholders
- Tone: Friendly-professional
8. Passing this along for [Name]
- Meaning: Informational relay
- Explanation: Casual-neutral
- Example: “Passing this along for Alex.”
- Best Use: Internal updates
- Worst Use: Formal emails
- Tone: Neutral
9. Following up for [Name]
- Meaning: Reminder or continuation
- Explanation: Common in email chains
- Example: “Following up for Sarah regarding the meeting.”
- Best Use: Ongoing discussions
- Worst Use: Legal notices
- Tone: Polite
10. Communicating on behalf of [Name]
- Meaning: Formal-neutral representation
- Explanation: Balanced and professional
- Example: “I’m communicating on behalf of the Director.”
- Best Use: External emails
- Worst Use: Casual chats
- Tone: Neutral-formal
😊 Informal or Casual Alternatives (When Appropriate)
- Writing for my manager
- Helping out for [Name]
- Sharing this for [Name]
- Sending this for my boss
- Passing along a note from [Name]
- Covering for [Name]
- Helping coordinate for [Name]
🏢 Industry-Specific Variations
Business:
“On behalf of the management team…”
Corporate:
“As directed by senior leadership…”
Academic:
“Writing on behalf of the department chair…”
Customer Service:
“On behalf of our manager, thank you…”
Legal:
“For and on behalf of the client…”
Email Communication:
“Per my manager’s request…”
📧 Email Examples
Email 1 – Formal
Subject: Meeting Confirmation
Dear Mr. Clark,
I am writing on behalf of Ms. Reynolds to confirm the meeting scheduled for Friday.
Kind regards,
Emma
Email 2 – Corporate
Subject: Project Update
Hello Team,
As directed by Mr. Patel, please find the latest project update attached.
Best regards,
Nina
Email 3 – Neutral
Subject: Follow-Up
Hi Alex,
I’m reaching out on behalf of Sarah regarding your availability this week.
Thanks,
Tom
Email 4 – Client-Facing
Subject: Proposal Review
Dear Client,
With approval from Mr. James, I’m sharing the revised proposal.
Sincerely,
Laura
Email 5 – Internal
Subject: Reminder
Hi Everyone,
Per Lisa’s request, this is a reminder about tomorrow’s session.
Best,
Chris
💬 Short Dialogue Examples
- A: “Who sent this email?”
B: “It was sent on behalf of our director.” - A: “Is she aware of this?”
B: “Yes, I emailed you per her request.” - A: “Can you clarify?”
B: “I’m writing on behalf of my manager.” - A: “Is this official?”
B: “Yes, it’s authorized by leadership.” - A: “Why are you contacting me?”
B: “I’m coordinating this for Mr. Allen.”
📊 Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| On behalf of [Name] | Formal | Executive emails | “I’m writing on behalf of the CEO.” |
| As directed by [Name] | Formal | Internal directives | “As directed by Ms. Lee…” |
| Per [Name]’s request | Neutral | Team communication | “Per John’s request…” |
| With [Name]’s approval | Professional | Client emails | “With approval from…” |
| Writing for [Name] | Neutral | Internal updates | “I’m writing for Mark.” |
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to clarify representation
- Using casual language in formal emails
- Speaking as yourself instead of your boss
- Forgetting authorization
- Overusing your boss’s name
- Mixing personal and professional tone
- Not proofreading carefully
🚫 When NOT to Use This Phrase
- When you lack permission
- In confidential matters without approval
- In legal correspondence without authority
- In casual chats where it’s unnecessary
- When responding personally
- In sensitive disciplinary matters
❓ FAQs: How to Send an Email on Behalf of Your Boss
1. Is it professional to send emails on behalf of your boss?
Yes, when authorized and done clearly.
2. Should I mention my boss in the opening line?
Yes, transparency is best.
3. Can I sign my own name?
Yes, include your name and role.
4. Should I copy my boss?
Often yes, unless instructed otherwise.
5. Can I reply directly to clients?
Only with permission.
6. Is this common for assistants?
Very common and expected.
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