Last updated on Jul 9, 2024

Here's how you can strengthen your professional relationships through developing assertiveness skills.

Navigating professional relationships can be a delicate endeavor, especially when trying to balance politeness with assertiveness. Assertiveness is a key interpersonal communication skill that involves expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs in a clear, direct, and respectful manner. It is not about being aggressive or domineering, but rather about being honest and standing up for yourself while also respecting others. By developing assertiveness skills, you can strengthen your professional relationships, ensuring that you are heard and understood without stepping on toes or burning bridges.

1 Understand Assertiveness

Assertiveness is often misunderstood as aggression, but it's actually the middle ground between passivity and aggression. It's about expressing your opinions and needs confidently and respectfully, without infringing on the rights of others. To be assertive in the workplace, start by recognizing your value and the importance of your ideas. Understand that your perspective matters and that you have the right to voice it. This self-awareness will empower you to articulate your thoughts in a way that is both firm and considerate, paving the way for more honest and productive professional interactions.

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Jeremiah O'Brian

CEO, Emerge Global | TEDx Speaker & Thought Leader | USC Professor | Digital Strategy & Business Growth Expert
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Instead of avoiding disagreements, approach them with a mindset focused on mutual understanding and finding common ground. Acknowledge the validity of different perspectives while confidently advocating for your own.

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2 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is the cornerstone of assertiveness. It involves not only choosing the right words but also paying attention to your tone of voice and body language. Speak in a calm and steady voice, maintain eye contact, and use "I" statements to take ownership of your feelings and thoughts. For example, instead of saying "You're wrong," try "I see it differently, and here's why." This approach minimizes defensiveness in others and keeps the conversation focused on the issue rather than personal attacks.

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Shailja (She/Her)

▪ Top interpersonal Communication Voice ▪6k-Followers ▪Global-Talent Acquisition ▪Sourcing & Recruitment ▪Leadership Hiring ▪Strategy Initiatives▪ Interpersonal Communication ▪Talent Management ▪ Communication Specialist
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lear communication always instills confidence in the statements you present to others. It is crucial to be mindful of your words and statements when making any announcement. Ensuring that your message is clear and unequivocal is essential for effective communication.

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Jeremiah O'Brian

CEO, Emerge Global | TEDx Speaker & Thought Leader | USC Professor | Digital Strategy & Business Growth Expert
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Assertiveness includes effective negotiation skills aimed at achieving win-win outcomes. Approach negotiations with a collaborative mindset, seeking solutions that satisfy both parties' interests.

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3 Set Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries is essential for maintaining healthy professional relationships. It involves understanding your limits and communicating them to others. If a colleague consistently demands your time beyond work hours, for instance, assertively express that while you are committed to the project, you also value your personal time. By doing so, you show respect for yourself and for the other person's ability to understand and accept your boundaries. This mutual respect forms the foundation of strong, enduring professional relationships.

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Jeremiah O'Brian

CEO, Emerge Global | TEDx Speaker & Thought Leader | USC Professor | Digital Strategy & Business Growth Expert
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Adapt your boundaries when necessary to accommodate changing circumstances or priorities without compromising your core principles. This adaptable approach demonstrates resilience and a balanced perspective in professional interactions.

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4 Practice Active Listening

Assertiveness isn't just about speaking; it's also about listening actively. When you listen attentively to others, you demonstrate respect and openness to their viewpoints. This builds trust and makes it more likely that they will reciprocate when you express your own thoughts. Active listening involves making eye contact, nodding to show understanding, and summarizing what the other person has said to confirm comprehension. By practicing active listening, you create a constructive environment for open dialogue.

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5 Handle Conflict Positively

Inevitably, assertiveness will sometimes lead to conflict. The key is to handle these situations positively. When a disagreement arises, stay focused on the issue at hand rather than resorting to personal criticism. Use assertive communication to express your views while also being receptive to finding a compromise or alternative solution. By approaching conflict with a problem-solving mindset, you can turn potential confrontations into opportunities for growth and collaboration.

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6 Maintain Consistency

Consistency in your assertive behavior reinforces your reliability as a communicator. It's important to be assertive not just in challenging situations but also in day-to-day interactions. This means regularly expressing your thoughts and needs in a respectful manner and standing by your boundaries with steadiness. Over time, this consistency will earn you respect from colleagues and superiors alike, as they come to understand and appreciate your clear and honest communication style.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can strengthen your professional relationships through developing assertiveness skills.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Assertiveness

2 Communicate Clearly

3 Set Boundaries

4 Practice Active Listening

5 Handle Conflict Positively

6 Maintain Consistency

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Communication

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Here's how you can strengthen your professional relationships through developing assertiveness skills.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Assertiveness

2 Communicate Clearly

3 Set Boundaries

4 Practice Active Listening

5 Handle Conflict Positively

6 Maintain Consistency

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Communication

Rate this article

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