The relationships we establish at work are important to ensure team cohesion and improve productivity. Therefore, establishing assertive communication at work allows tasks to be carried out in harmony.
If we manage to express feelings, thoughts and opinions in the best possible way, we will be achieving better communication with our coworkers.
Achieving assertive communication at work is the basis for exchanging our ideas and helping our colleagues achieve the objectives set in the best possible way.
Improve assertive communication at work
Assertive communication at work will allow us to have greater control over our environment, we will be able to establish limits and draw lines between interpersonal relationships, but how can we improve assertive communication at work?
If you want to work on this aspect, the ideal thing is to follow the following advice:
✔ Self-esteem. Assertive communication reinforces good self-esteem. If you are able to express what you feel, it means that you recognize your worth and accept differences.
✔ Set boundaries. If you want assertive communication at work, you need to set boundaries, know when to say no, and not disrespect the other person.
✔ You are not always right. Assertive communication gives you the tools to express your own opinions, but it is not about imposing yourself; there must be a balance between the two.
✔ Active listening. It is important to take the other person into account, listen carefully, let them express themselves and not interrupt their time until they finish speaking.
✔ It's not about being aggressive. Expressing your point of view doesn't mean trampling on others with your ideas. You must give your opinion in the best way possible and always understanding the other person.
✔ Work on your emotional intelligence. Both, assertive communication and emotional intelligence go hand in hand. If you want to know more about this topic, we invite you to visit our post How to learn emotional intelligence? This will help you to be aware of emotions and regulate them appropriately.
✔ Get informed. Read, attend workshops and take the necessary courses to learn how to be an assertive person and enjoy the benefits.
Characteristics of assertive communication at work
If you want to have assertive communication at work, you must respect the points of view of your colleagues. The characteristics of assertive communication are the following:
Have empathy
This interest in people allows you to increase trust, call your colleagues by their name, be interested in how they feel, among other things.
Stay focused on your goals and priorities
If you are clear about what they are, you can give in or defend your point of view in a conversation.
Active listening
You must pay attention to what the other person is saying, body language is very important, you must look them in the eyes when they speak, not interrupt or contradict.
Establish healthy boundaries
Helping is not about taking on someone else's responsibilities, there must be a balance between helping and allowing them to take responsibility for their own tasks.
Objective of assertive communication at work
It is completely difficult and impossible not to communicate, in fact, you could say that it is the most important intersocial factor. Therefore, paying attention to and understanding our way of communicating is completely necessary to avoid discomfort.
Assertive communication at work and self-esteem go hand in hand. Improving our communication skills at work radically changes the way we relate to ourselves and our coworkers.
Likewise, leaders within organizations have the responsibility of generating an environment of empathy and trust with the opinions and desires of the rest of the collaborators that allows them to sincerely express their own needs.
It is important to keep in mind that the purpose of effective communication at work is not to manipulate or get others to agree with our points of view at all times, but rather to establish an environment that is suitable and conducive to dialogue, making it possible to accept all positions without exception.
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Benefits of assertive communication at work
Assertive communication at work undoubtedly improves your interpersonal relationships, because you feel more confident in communicating, facing problems and resolving conflicts in the best possible way.
If communication is assertive, agreements will be reached, a win-win, constructive feedback will be given and solutions will be found that will lead to improvement and growth together.
When there is assertive communication, there is a culture of respect, empathy and honesty. Motivation and commitment are what improve relationships, the climate and the work environment.
If a working relationship is good, stress is reduced and people feel confident in giving their ideas and expressing their emotions spontaneously. This generates an increase in trust within work teams.
It is extremely difficult to develop work teams without trust, nor to lead successfully without assertive communication. If you want to plan well, coordinate a work team as best as possible and overcome resistance to change, you must work on assertive communication.
It also encourages professionals to establish healthy boundaries, earn people's respect, and find a balance between being understanding and demanding tasks or when to correct and congratulate.
Assertive communication will certainly help you find a balance between being firm and empathetic when expressing your opinions. You must cultivate self-confidence to respect your opinion and consider the rights, opinions and feelings of other people, which are just as important as yours.
Courses that may interest you
Do you want to acquire more skills to improve Assertive Communication? We recommend our courses on Wellbeing and Positive Psychology, Time Management and Productivity, and Effective Communication.