Bad e-mail habits may send the wrong message

E-mail is one of the most common methods of communication but could certain e-mail habits be sending the wrong message to clients or colleagues?

Forbes recently highlighted 10 e-mail habits that can send the wrong message. Here are five from the list:

1. Misuse of the subject line: Including the terms “Urgent,” “Action Item,” or “Read Me” in the subject line “presumes her message is more important than any other correspondence you might have received. This perception is that she is over-confident and thinks very little of your time.” The same can be held true for over-using the priority flag on your e-mails to others.
2. All CAPS: Typing in caps means you’re trying to stress your message but it’s also the equivalent of screaming at a person but it can come across as “forceful” and “arrogant.” The same holds true for excessive use of punctuation, e.g., using multiple exclamation points.
3. Instant follow up: You want to make sure the person received and read your e-mail, so you call or send another e-mail right away to find out. But you’ll send the message as impatient and self-righteous. If you expect that instant of a response, “the more efficient route is to pick up the phone” in the first place.
4. Auto responses: An auto response to every e-mail you receive may be giving you more time but it also has the potential to send the wrong message. You reassure the receiver that you care about their e-mail but you’ll respond to it at a convenient time to you, which could be viewed as condescending.
5. Reusing an old e-mail chain: The intention may be to help keep the correspondence all in one place and easier for the recipient but you may send the message that you’re “lazy, disorganized, or have poor e-mail sorting habits.” Begin a new e-mail chain with a correct subject line for every new issue discussed.

To read the entire list, visit the Forbes website.