There are two problems with corporate email

First, we have a quantity problem (we receive too many emails), and second, we have a quality problem (we receive too many bad emails).

This email charter was created to help solve both those problems within teams.

Assign Tasks in an Email Using the "3Ws"

Every action should have a clear "Who," "What," and "When."

Summarize your email, use prefix modifiers, and don't change the subject line unless the subject changes.

Know what you really want first, and then get to that point at the top of your email.

Label the two parts "Quick Summary" and "Details."

Use bullet points, subheadings, white space, highlights, and bold text.

Use them to give someone instructions or to highlight slides in a deck.

Be very specific and don't make assumptions.

For increasing accountability, setting expectations, and giving clarity on the next steps.

State "Do you think we should do A, B, or C?" instead of "What do you think about this?"

Review it for incorrect responses, misquoted dates, or wrong facts.

Use email templates for your weekly and monthly updates to improve communication.

Send emails when they're most likely to be read.

Don't use reply all when only the original sender needs to read your message.

List questions on separate lines and use different color fonts.

Make your acknowledgements meaningful instead of just saying "Ok."

Sort by subject line or use conversation threading.

Include everything your recipient needs to know while you're away.

Set up a short meeting with your team to agree on email best practices.

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