And, perhaps, you have also wondered what assertive communication is; which is something as simple as the ability to express what you think and feel in a clear and respectful way, without being aggressive or getting carried away by what others say. Specifically, at work, where it is key to collaborate with others, solve problems and make decisions as a team, being assertive greatly improves relationships with colleagues and creates a more comfortable and productive work environment.
One of the greatest benefits of assertive communication is that it helps build mutual respect. When you speak assertively, you not only show that you value your ideas, but you also respect what others have to say. This builds trust among colleagues, and everyone feels more comfortable sharing their opinions without fear of being judged. In work teams, that trust is fundamental to make better decisions and face problems with an open mind.
If we ground the concept a little more, assertive communication is a great tool for resolving conflicts. Problems between colleagues or disagreements are normal, but when they are handled assertively, it is easier to reach solutions without drama. If you can say what bothers or worries you without being pushy or silent, you are more likely to reach an agreement that benefits everyone. For example, if a colleague is not doing his part, instead of silently annoying you or blowing up, you could talk to him in a direct but respectful way, seeking a solution without generating a major conflict.
Another point in favor of assertive communication is that it greatly improves work organization and productivity. Being clear and direct avoids misunderstandings that can generate confusion or duplicated work. Also, when you communicate your priorities and limits well, it is easier to manage your time and tasks without feeling overwhelmed. For example, if your boss gives you more work than you can handle, being assertive allows you to explain the situation, suggest alternatives or renegotiate deadlines without being overwhelmed by stress or having your performance suffer.
Assertive communication also has a big impact on your confidence. As you learn to speak your mind clearly and respectfully, you feel more confident in your work interactions. That confidence helps you get along better with your coworkers and bosses, and also gives you the drive to take on new challenges without fear of being wrong or criticized. Someone who masters assertiveness feels more comfortable speaking in public, leading projects or defending their ideas in front of any group.
Not only does it help build respect and improve problem solving, but it also makes you more productive and self-confident. Knowing how to express yourself well and respectfully creates a better working environment for everyone, which in the long run benefits both personally and the company as a whole.
Olga Castanyer and the keys to assertive communication
Olga Castanyer is a clinical psychologist and writer widely recognized for her work in the field of assertiveness and personal development; she is also the new protagonist of Mejor Conectados, an initiative of Telefónica, where she talks precisely about this assertive communication. An extension of something that Molo Cebrián already explained with effective communication in the workplace.
This skill involves finding a middle ground between aggressive communication, which imposes one’s own opinions without taking others into account, and submissive communication, which yields to the desires or needs of others for fear of confrontation. Assertiveness, as Castanyer tells Mejor Conectados, allows us to express our thoughts and emotions clearly and directly, without giving up our rights or hurting others.
The psychologist proposes various assertiveness techniques, both internal and external, to improve the way we communicate. Among the internal techniques, she highlights the importance of improving internal dialogue, practicing self-compassion and developing empathy. As for external techniques, she suggests the use of Empathic Assertiveness, which allows us to maintain a firm and respectful posture, and the I Message, which helps to avoid confrontation by expressing our emotions in the first person.
Olga Castanyer invites us to practice assertiveness as a key tool to improve our personal relationships and our emotional well-being, creating a balance between our rights and those of others.
