Assertive communication in the workplace helps individuals manage conflict, control anger, have their needs better met, and have more positive relationships with every member of the organization. Assertiveness is expressing your thoughts, emotions, and ideas in a way that individuals around you can clearly understand and comprehend without compromising their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. It is the ability to openly share what you think and feel in an honest, appropriate, respectful, and direct manner.
However, most individuals struggle with putting assertive communication into practice because some confuse it with aggression. On the other hand, some people feel like they lack the skills to express themselves effectively. Even though assertive communication can not guarantee that the other person will change their behavior and give you what you want, it can help you establish the boundaries and limits you have with other people.
In this blog, we will talk about how an individual can apply assertive communication in the workplace, its benefits, and a few tips. That way, you can quickly learn and practice them to have a more harmonious workplace. So make sure to keep reading until the end.
Application of assertive communication in the workplace
Benefits
It protects your needs
Being assertive allows individuals to set their boundaries and limits with the things they are not comfortable with. When people communicate assertively, they can clearly express their feelings and use it to guide a boundary-setting in every relationship. Making choices about yourself and knowing what you should and should not do is one way to honor your needs. Lastly, protecting your needs and creating firm boundaries let you take control when challenging situations arise, reducing negative emotions, such as anger and frustration.
It builds trust
People say that honesty is the best policy. If that is the case, then assertive communication is the way to go. This is primarily because people are more likely to trust another individual when giving them open and straightforward answers. Unlike passive communication that usually leads to white lies, assertive communication features open communication while respecting other people's feelings and ideas.
It prevents stress or anxiety
When the members of your organization regularly practice assertive communication inside the workplace, the chances of getting into arguments, misunderstandings, and conflicts are less likely. As a result, you can enjoy a stress-free and harmonious workplace, which is highly essential because most workers spend most of their time in their workplace or with their colleagues. Practicing assertive communication protects your peace of mind and ensures a harmonious and positive working environment.
It promotes self-confidence and self-esteem
Another benefit of applying assertive communication in the workplace is that it promotes an individual's self-confidence and self-esteem. When you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and emotions to another person, and they openly accept and respect them, you are more likely to develop a healthy relationship with them. Not only that, but you will also feel safe expressing your needs and real desires.
Simple tips for assertive communication
Learn to recognize your feelings
Being emotionally aware and getting in touch with your feelings can be pretty challenging sometimes. But to become an assertive person, this is a struggle that you must outgrow. To do this, you can try to pay a little more attention to your internal experience each day and determine the following:
● What makes you feel good?
● What makes you feel unhappy and causes stress?
● What are the things you enjoy doing?
● What are the things you wish you did not have to do?
Effectively identifying the answers to these questions makes you one step closer to becoming more emotionally aware because you know what needs to be let go of and what needs to be discussed.
Ask for what you want
Like how you respectfully express yourself, you must also consider making the right and respectful requests whenever you need something - whether you need help in a particular task or need someone to change their behavior.
However, you must keep in mind that some people may say no to you, which is okay because everyone has the right to refuse. What is more important is taking a step to make the request, which could begin a conversation that leads to a good compromise.
Use "I" statements
Whenever you try to express your feelings or request something, using "I" statements can be a great idea. This is mainly because "I" statements focus on your feelings and thoughts and not on others. Generally, people are more willing to accommodate requests when they do not feel judged or blamed by other people.
Practice with your family or colleagues
You can practice assertive communication with people close to you and whom you trust, such as your family and colleagues. Try making requests and respectfully expressing what you think and how you feel to people who make you feel comfortable. And whenever you tend to lean on aggressive communication, ask them to point out when they felt unheard or attacked. That way, you can recognize what needs improvement and work on those areas in the long run.
Learning assertive communication
Hiring an executive coach
Practicing assertive communication with people who make you feel safe is an effective method to improve oneself. But, another technique you can try, which is usually more effective, is hiring an expert, such as an executive coach. With executive coaching, individuals can clarify their goals, become more self-aware, unlock their potential, and achieve their development objectives.
Benefits
Improved emotional intelligence
It was previously mentioned that recognizing one's feelings is essential. Well, executing coaching can help you with that by helping you improve your emotional intelligence. Improving your emotional intelligence allows you to better understand your team's and client's emotions, enabling you to build deeper interpersonal relationships with them.
Better use of time and resources
Aside from emotional intelligence, executive coaches can help you identify your priorities, understand where you are most spending your time, and assess the areas that need your time more.
Establish better communication
Coaching can help you become more expressive of your thoughts and feelings and make you a good listener. Listening to what your team is saying, you effectively communicate with them.
Final Thoughts
Having a peaceful workplace and harmonious relationships with your colleagues allow you to take care of your well-being. But working with diverse people can be challenging because you have different beliefs, ideas, and perspectives, making conflicts extremely inevitable. However, if people can control their temper, keep themselves calm, and communicate with one another with respect, conflicts can be minimized ultimately.