The Art Of Crafting The Non-Aggressive Email

As a woman, I face a double bind in my professional life and in my roles as a leader.

If I am too caring and compassionate, I am seen as weak and not leadership material.

If I am too outspoken and confident, I am seen as aggressive and domineering.

This morning, I faced that quandary as I spent FAR too long crafting an email to a client who is 2 1/2 months late on their payment.​

Can I say this?
Can I say that?
How will this sentence come across?
What about this one?
Is this too direct?
Is this too passive?

It made me wonder how much time women spend crafting email messages or planning phone conversations to come off strong, but not aggressive. Understanding, but not a pushover.

This funny cartoon in the book No Hard Feelings by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy is a perfect summary of what so many of us women face.

Now for some forecasting fun....Without having read my email, how soon do you think I'll get my money?

​Originally posted on LinkedIn

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