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Terri, an outstanding individual contributor, has a resume that boasts a string of successes. Recently promoted, her new role involves leading people.  She’s struggling to find her footing in a position that calls for an additional set of competencies.  This challenge is natural.  As Marshall Goldsmith says, What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.

Terri told me, “Because I’m fast paced and action oriented, I can be harsh and abrupt.  I like to get things done and move on.  Nothing wrong with that approach; it got her to where she is.  But, now, she has to achieve her goals with others’ cooperation.  If, like Terri, your oral and written communications tend to sound abrasive, try these tips:

• Begin with a greeting, including the person’s name… Hello Wendy, Dear James, etc.
• Pay close attention to your word choices and their feeling tone.
• Always close with a statement of appreciation.