3 ways to get busy managers to read more of your e-mails

February 11, 2009 by
Filed under: Communication, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views 

What’s the best way to make sure HR’s e-mails to busy execs and managers are read and understood?

Answer: Get the subject line right.

Given the number of e-mails people receive today, many are easy to ignore — especially as more folks use portable devices to peek at new messages while they’re on the go.

When the reader’s time is precious, your subject line can make all the difference. Here are some tips:

  • Include as much info in the subject as you can. For example, instead of using the heading “Meeting,” try something like “Meeting scheduled for Feb. 10.”
  • Create a new subject, instead of continuing a string of “Re:” messages. E-mails often go back and forth, but if you’re raising a new point or asking a new question, it makes sense to use a new subject line.
  • Don’t leave the field blank. When firing off a quick e-mail, its easy to omit the subject line. But that’s also the easiest way to make sure the message doesn’t get read.

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