Using the E-mail Subject Line to set Expectations

I'm a big fan of using the e-mail Subject Line to define my expectations of the recipient.  It's a quick and easy way to let the reader know up-front what you will require of them.  I call this the action statement.  I enclose the action statement in brackets and use all CAPS to set it apart from the Subject Line.  For example;   This is my Subject Line <ACTION STATEMENT>

Following is the list of my most frequently used action statements.

• <ACTION REQUIRED> - I need you to do something
• <ACTION REQUESTED> - If you have time, try to fit this in
• <FYI> - Informational only, no need for action
• <REPLY REQUIRED> - I need a reply from you on this
• <REPLY REQUESTED> - I would like a reply, but not required

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