What Is Assertive Communication For In The World Of Work?
Assertiveness is the ability that allows us to express our own feelings and opinions in front of other people, without hostility or aggressiveness and always respecting the rights and dignity of our interlocutors. It is a psychological element that helps us say what we consider should be said, without letting ourselves be intimidated in case that is uncomfortable.
This social skill is not only reduced to the expression of emotions, but also of opinions, desires, impressions, feelings or preferences, all always taking into account that the interlocutor also has a series of interests and values that must be taken into account. In this article we will see what role assertive communication plays in the world of work
In today’s work world, assertiveness is one of the most useful skills in most jobs, and that is why this soft skill is increasingly in demand in personnel selection processes, since an assertive professional will be much more useful for the company thanks to its social abilities and interaction with other employees.
Let’s see in a little more detail why assertive communication is considered useful in the field of companies and business.
1. Improves the work environment
Assertiveness makes it possible for both co-workers and superiors to point out and congratulate any achievement we may achieve during our work, which is why it ultimately allows us to improve the work environment.
Likewise, assertiveness makes teamwork and solving problems of all kinds in a cordial manner much easier, since it is based on each person giving their opinion in a friendly manner and without crossing social or educational boundaries.
In addition to that, assertiveness also facilitates a clearer and fuller exchange of information, without misunderstandings and with a close communication style between workers which improves the type of relationship established between people.
Having a work environment in which assertiveness reigns among its professionals will ensure a more optimistic, friendly and suitable climate for teamwork.
2. Promotes productivity
By promoting a better work environment and preventing the appearance of misunderstandings (many of which arise when a person does not dare to communicate in time that they have detected an error or an unforeseen event has occurred), work teams perform better and are more comfortable. , which also positively influences productivity and better performance of work obligations.
In addition to that, a better mood, emotional state and psychological health of workers also will result in greater work performance and achieving objectives much more quickly and diligently.
3. Reduces labor conflict
Labor conflict is one of the main problems that companies have with their workers and that most influences the performance and productivity of employees. Many of these “clashes” arise due to an inability to manage one’s own emotions without positioning oneself before others, seeing them as enemies or opponents at the slightest moment a disagreement appears.
Having assertive employees who also master other social skills such as active listening or the ability to collaborate is of great help in the company so that there is a good atmosphere and avoid possible confrontations, constant discussions or work conflict in general.
Assertive people are capable of expressing their feelings and problems, but they are also capable of assuming responsibilities and possible mistakes made during the work day.
This is also of great importance in the company and helps to monitor that everything is going well at all times and also to detect possible problems or human errors more quickly and efficiently.
5. Facilitates internal communication
The internal communication of a company facilitates and speeds up the internal transit of valuable information between members of the organization, whether between colleagues in the same department or between superiors and subordinates.
As we have indicated previously, assertiveness allows you to express your own problems, demands or needs, which is why it is a quality that excellently promotes communication within the company.
6. Helps prevent cases of mobbing
In companies with assertive workers, it is more difficult for cases of workplace harassment or mobbing to occur since people are capable at all times of establishing personal limits and quickly communicating the dynamics of hostility or violence that arise between workers.
7. Promotes emotional intelligence in the organization
Emotional intelligence is characteristic of assertive people, and consists of the ability to understand both one’s own emotions and those of others.
This skill is also of great importance and is in great demand in all types of personality selection processes and modern jobs.
People with emotional intelligence are always aware of their emotions, know their needs and fight to vindicate or demand both their own interests and those of the company.
8. Promote internal debates
The fact that employees express themselves with complete clarity and express at all times anything that may concern them or any demands they may have favors communication and internal debates on serious topics, as well as requests to superiors.
In this way, it is much easier for companies to make all kinds of changes and reforms in the company or in the way of organizing, according to the demands of their workers, so that their employees work with greater diligence and flexibility
9. Allows you to establish meaningful relationships
Assertive people are also capable of establishing much deeper and more meaningful relationships of friendship and camaraderie, which also contributes to creating a positive work environment.
When the members of the same work group form a unit or team based on respect, friendship and solidarity, the work is done much better and faster.
10. Improve employee confidence
Finally, assertiveness also positively influences the confidence and self-esteem of the employees themselves, since they see themselves capable of overcoming any obstacle and achieving any goal they set for themselves.
In short, we can say that assertiveness positively affects the interests of the company and also allows its workers to equip themselves with tools that allow them to work more diligently, increase their levels of self-esteem and improve their mental health.
Are you interested in training in enhancing assertiveness in the company?
If you want to learn the theory and practice of assertiveness in the context of organizations, the Master in Self-esteem, Assertiveness and Conflict Resolution from the Mediterranean School of Psychology is for you.
This online training program is designed above all for those interested in devoting themselves to the field of Human Resources, team leadership and/or Work and Organizational Psychology, and registration is now open.
