Most messages we write in the workplace fall into the category of positive or neutral communications. What are some strategies for writing these common types of messages successfully?

Always wrap any criticism of any time in two positives.  The beginning of the communication should be a positive recognition of the work done.  The bringing up of a negative should be without personal attack, and with the attitude of camaraderie as a team with a friend, shouldering the task together and finding a way to manage the trouble that came up, despite their hard work to the contrary.  Then the last section should again be recognition of the person's efforts, detailing some specific things you appreciate so it does not appear to be hollow flattery.

In all communications, try to achieve a sense of being a friendly team, and the workplace will run smoothly.