If you’re a manager or leader in an organization, you need to understand the concept of assertive communication. It is imperative that you understand this concept if you are going to be effective in the role. Here’s why communicating assertively can be beneficial for everyone in the organization:
o Achieving mutual respect – Communication is about both getting and giving. When you assertiveness in the workplace, you are actually asserting your position as well as your opinion. By doing so, you are not only displaying your willingness to communicate, but also your willingness to take responsibility for your actions and responses. Communicating assertively with others can also show your willingness to accept the feedback they provide and how they choose to communicate it. This willingness to take responsibility and the clear direction in which you communicate it, builds mutual respect within your team and in the overall organization.
o Eye contact – An important aspect of assertive communication is eye contact. You want to maintain eye contact throughout the interaction and exchange information. When you maintain eye contact, it’s easier for people on both sides to see the gestures and tone of your voice, as well as the expressions on your face.
o Active listening – The concept of passive-aggressive interaction is where you listen without responding. This is a passive form of aggression, but because it’s passive, it can be considered an honest way of being able to hear what someone is saying without either defending yourself or making it seem like you don’t care or aren’t interested. It can also be considered an honest way of trying to better understand another person’s feelings and motivations without trying to defend yourself. While it may feel natural to react in a certain way based on your natural instincts and personality styles, truly listening to the other person without trying to defend yourself will clear up any misunderstandings and resolve them in a positive way.
o Self-awareness – Another important part of communicating assertively in the workplace is learning to recognize your own emotions and how they affect your behavior. Being able to stop yourself before you get heated and taking control of the situation are essential skills that will allow you to effectively communicate your feelings. Taking control of your emotions will allow you to be more assertive in the workplace.
Learning to use assertive communication in the workplace will allow you to build a supportive environment for yourself and others. If you can make someone feel bad about their opinion or actions, you will have taken control of the situation and successfully diffused a potentially negative situation. You will also have increased your personal workplace confidence, which will increase the quality of work you produce. This will leave you better equipped to deal with any negative circumstances that do come up in the workplace.