Assertive Communication at Work: Definition and Examples

Communication in the company is present from the moment a candidate starts a selection process in that entity. Assertive communication is one that not only values constructive words, but also the tone of the message to create a friendly organizational climate that takes care of the people who are part of that place.

In the field of business there is not only a face-to-face interaction, but also an exchange of information through written communication. For this reason, assertiveness is the necessary ingredient in both planes of dialogue. In this article we reflect on psychology we reflect on “ assertive communication at work: definition and examples ”.

What is assertive communication at work


This form of interaction is born from an attitude of respect towards oneself and towards the other. The message is expressed from the self , that is, the dialogue is not taken to the plane of reproach or personal attack. Therefore, it is also essential to maintain objectivity through the description of the facts.

It is impossible for human beings not to communicate. When a person joins a new job they are transmitting a message to others just by their presence. This means that communication goes beyond words, it also includes body language and other types of non-verbal communication .

Assertive communication shows the alignment that exists between words and body language in the expression of a message, fostering empathy, kindness, encounter and respect.

4 Assertive Communication Techniques at Work


Here are four very curious techniques that can help you practice assertiveness at work:

Sandwich Technique


This is a three-part expression formula that begins with a positive reinforcement start and ends with a message of gratitude . In the central part you verbalize a refusal or a request for change.

Imagine that a coworker with whom you have established a friendship bond has invited you to a plan that you cannot go to. How to express your negative through this formula? “Thank you very much for inviting me, I still remember how much fun I had the last time we met. Sorry, this time I can't stay. However, we could have something another day when we leave work.

Broken record


This technique consists of repeating the same message with kindness at the insistence of another person who seems not to accept that position. Therefore, you must remain firm in expressing your phrase over and over again in a clear example that you do not change your position.

Imagine that a coworker asks you to help him with a task when you are taking care of an issue that you must finish soon. Your partner insists you because he is locked in his own position. In that case, you can use this technique by responding to their demands in a similar way with a phrase that reflects the same sequence.

For example, “Now I can't help you because I have to finish this project. When I finish, we speak more calmly ”. If he continues to insist, repeat this same idea.

Speak from the self


A simple exercise in assertiveness is to express a point of view from a personal point of view. Imagine that you are talking to a co-worker about an issue that involves both of you and you would like to receive feedback from him because you have doubts as to whether you have managed to synthesize your argument clearly. In that case, instead of asking "do you understand me?", It is more assertive to ask "have I explained myself well?"

Assertive word reinforcement


There are words that by their very nature convey kindness in dialogue. So use them more often in the office. These expressions are "thank you" and "please".

6 tips for practicing assertive communication at work

  1. If you have doubts about a certain matter, instead of assuming or accumulating confusion, ask the interlocutor .
  2. In dialogue with your co-workers , use the names of those people more often. A name personalizes and humanizes the conversation because it is a display of interest.
  3. In face- to- face language, make eye contact because eye contact fosters trust.
  4. You use the word “we” more often because in business, teamwork is very important. Even if you observe your reality from your point of view, it is positive that you try to have a contextual vision.
  5. Not only do you train in technical skills because there are transversal skills of the curriculum that are essential in any market niche. Assertive communication is an example of competence that will always open doors for you. For this reason, he attends training courses on emotional intelligence.
  6. A book that may interest you to reflect on this question is " Assertiveness: for extraordinary people ", a work by Eva Bach and Anna Forés.