Effective communication It is one of the variables that positively affect the good performance of the organization. Among the basic communication skills, assertiveness stands out, which is characterized by the ability of a person to express their thoughts, feelings, emotions and opinions firmly, always respecting the thoughts and feelings that other people have.
In this article we will see present some tips to improve assertiveness at work
Assertiveness and different types of communication
Knowing how to say “no” is not always easy. Neither is showing our opinions and emotions clearly, taking into account that other people also have their values, opinions and make their own decisions. But although some people have difficulty doing so, it is possible to learn to be assertive
Generally, we talk about different types of communication, among them passive, aggressive and assertive communication stand out.
Your benefits in the company
Assertive people know their own rights, which they defend, always aware of the needs of others. These individuals speak fluently and confidently and appear relaxed. They don’t mind talking openly about what they think and what the reasons for their opinions are.
But what benefits does assertiveness provide? In summary, the most important are the following:
To learn more about these benefits, you can read our article: “The 8 benefits of assertiveness: what are they?”
Tips to improve assertive communication at work
Aware of these benefits, in the following lines we have prepared a list of keys to improve the work environment.
1. Recognize that you are valuable and accept differences
Assertive people are people who enjoy good self-esteem and who are aware of their worth, since, otherwise, it is not possible to express what one thinks and, at the same time, recognize that the other actors in the relationship also have their needs and opinions. Self-confidence It must be tall to be able to open up to others.
Furthermore, respecting oneself is essential to being able to respect others, and accepting that we are all different is also the beginning of assertive communication.
2. Know your limits and respect them
Knowing your own limits and respecting them is a very important step in becoming an assertive person. Assertiveness has to do with knowing how to say “no” when someone does not want to do something, but always respecting others. Therefore, it is worth dedicating efforts to recognize how far our capabilities go to do not take on unrealizable tasks
It is not only essential to know what one’s limits are, but also the rights one has. For example, to be treated with respect and dignity, to make one’s own decisions, to rest, etc.
3. Learn that you don’t always win
Assertiveness is expressing one’s own opinions, but it has nothing to do with imposing them; That is, it has nothing to do with winning all the battles. To be assertive It’s good to know what you want, but also what the other person wants
On the other hand, assertiveness has to do with being fair, and that is why it is necessary to know that being assertive is not imposing our opinions. As with negotiations, it’s about finding balance, not always wanting to win.
4. Listen actively
Sometimes we think we are listening to someone when we are actually hearing. In this sense, and especially in the case of assertiveness, we must listen actively.
Active listening refers to not only taking into account the interlocutor’s spoken message, but also their non-verbal language and emotional communication For this reason, we must let the other person express themselves, we must not interrupt them with our opinions, nor think about the answer before it has been fully expressed.
Active listening is an art. If you want to know, you can read this article: “Active listening: the key to communicating with others”
5. Be aware of the difference between assertive and aggressive communication
Many people think that verbalizing their own opinions can be imposing their own criteria over others. However, assertiveness refers to how things are said, because despite stating the point of view, it also it is necessary to give objective reasons and do not despise the other interlocutor.
Assertive communication is not being aggressive nor does it refer to imposing one’s own law. It has to do with creating a communicative climate in which everyone’s opinions can be talked openly regardless of differences.
6. Improves emotional intelligence
Assertive people are aware of their emotions and know how to regulate them, which is why they are good when it comes to relating to others.
In this sense, being emotionally intelligent is key, since empathy is one of its basic components, which is decisive when it comes to understanding and properly managing how another person feels. In short, be emotionally intelligent allows you to adapt the tone and message to the circumstances
7. Attend an assertiveness workshop
Although we often talk about assertive people and people who are not, this skill can be learned. There are many courses that teach how to become an assertive person and thus benefit from its advantages.
In addition, it is also possible to attend emotional intelligence courses like the ones you will find in this article: “The 6 best courses on Emotional Intelligence and Personal Development”
