Assertiveness is an important part of communication, not only in our personal lives but also in the workplace. It helps us express our opinions, needs and requests openly without disrespecting others. For managers and team leaders, the ability to communicate assertively is particularly important – they deal with feedback, delegation, conflicts and differing opinions within their teams on a daily basis. What exactly does assertiveness mean and how can you use it in everyday communication? That is what our Assertiveness Ten focuses on, presenting ten simple principles that can be applied in everyday situations.
What is assertiveness?
Assertiveness is the ability to express your opinions, needs and rights openly and confidently while also respecting others. An assertive person can say what they think, refuse a request or point out a problem without unnecessarily attacking the other person. Assertiveness lies between two extreme approaches to communication. A passive person often suppresses their needs and opinions to avoid conflict. In contrast, aggressive communication places one’s own needs above those of others and can lead to pressure or conflict. Assertive communication seeks to find a balance. A person respects both themselves and others and looks for ways to express their requests and opinions clearly and constructively. Various assertiveness techniques can help make communication in challenging situations easier and help us set our own boundaries more effectively.
The assertiveness ten: 10 rules of assertive communication
1. Express your opinions openly
Don’t be afraid to say what you really think. Assertiveness does not mean that you always have to be right, but that you can express your opinion clearly and without unnecessary hesitation.
Instead of: “Maybe we could perhaps do it differently.”
Try: “I think it would be more appropriate for us to choose a different solution.”
2. Learn to say no
Saying “no” can be particularly difficult in the workplace. However, if you constantly accept additional tasks even when you don’t have enough time for them, it can lead to overload.
Refusing a request does not have to be unpleasant. For example, you could say:
“I already have several tasks with approaching deadlines. I can work on this later.”
3. Speak for yourself
Use so-called “I” statements in communication. Instead of blaming the other person, describe your own perspective, feelings or needs.
For example, instead of saying, “You never listen to me,” you could say:
“I feel that I didn’t have enough space to finish expressing my opinion today.”
This type of wording can help reduce tension and create space for further communication.
4. Set boundaries
An assertive person is able to communicate what is acceptable to them and what is not. Boundaries can relate to working hours, communication style or the division of responsibilities.
The important thing is to communicate your boundaries clearly and understandably, rather than expecting others to automatically recognize them.
5. Learn to express disagreement
Different opinions are a natural part of teamwork. You don’t have to agree with everything simply to avoid conflict.
Instead of saying, “That’s nonsense,” you could say:
“I don’t completely agree with this solution. I see this option as more suitable.”
You express your position while still respecting the other person.
6. Listen to others
Assertiveness is not only about being able to stand up for your own opinion. Being able to listen is equally important.
Give the other person space to express their perspective and don’t immediately try to respond or find a counterargument. Active listening can help you better understand the situation and prevent misunderstandings.
7. Accept criticism
Criticism is not always pleasant, but it can provide useful feedback. Instead of immediately becoming defensive, try to find out what exactly the criticism refers to.
For example, you could say:
“I understand. Could you give me a specific example of a situation when you perceived it that way?”
This gives you more information and allows you to decide what you can take away from the feedback.
8. Give yourself time to make a decision
You don’t have to respond to every request immediately. If you are unsure, you can ask for some time to think about it.
A simple “I need some time to think about it first” can be a very useful assertive statement. It allows you to make decisions more calmly and avoid unnecessary pressure.
9. Look for compromise
The goal of assertiveness is not to get your own way at all costs. In many situations, it is better to look for a solution that takes the needs of both sides into account.
Compromise is important, for example, when resolving conflicts within a team or negotiating with colleagues and business partners.
10. Respect yourself and others
The entire Assertiveness Ten can be summed up in one basic rule: respect your own needs as well as the needs of others.
You have the right to express your opinion, refuse a request or say that certain behavior makes you uncomfortable. At the same time, you must respect the other person’s right to their own opinion and needs.
Why is assertiveness important for managers?
Managing people is largely based on communication. A manager needs to be able to delegate tasks, provide feedback, resolve conflicts, motivate employees and at the same time pursue the goals of both the team and the organization as a whole. That is why communication and other soft skills are among the important competencies of modern managers. An assertive approach can help create a more open workplace where people understand what is expected of them while also having space to express their own opinions.
You can also develop your assertiveness during an MBA
Assertive communication is not a skill you have to master perfectly from the beginning. It can be gradually developed through practice, feedback and work on your own managerial competencies. The development of communication and management skills is also part of MBA studies, which combine professional knowledge with practical application.
At CEMI, an important part of the study experience is individual consultations with experienced tutors, during which students can address specific situations from their professional lives. Assertiveness therefore does not have to remain just a theory. You can gradually apply its principles when managing people, negotiating with colleagues, resolving conflicts and making everyday decisions.
Would you like to develop your management knowledge and skills while applying them directly in your professional practice? You can complete your MBA studies at CEMI 100% online, typically within one year.
