Methods and devices for generating an action item based on an email message are described. In one embodiment, a processor-implemented method is described. The method includes: receiving an email message via a communication subsystem; determining that the received email message includes a follow up flag that indicates that an action is required regarding the email message; and in response to determining that the received email message includes a follow up flag that indicates that an action is required regarding the email message, creating an action item based on the received email message.