The action: Use the email’s subject line to explain what you are asking, and how long it will take.

The long form: Which of these emails are you more likely to reply to?

• Company off-site
• [2 min, reply requested] Where was the off-site in 2015?

Your mileage here may vary – but for my part, I’m more likely to reply to an email immediately if it tells me what it is asking and that I could probably fit it in between two meetings.

I try to add a little note at the beginning of the subject line on whether this is just information or a request. And if I am requesting an answer, what is my best guess of how long it will take. Hopefully it helps the recipient trick the Gratification Monkey.