Misunderstandings, disagreements, or conflicts with supervisors or coworkers often stem from the way people communicate. This is natural, since everyone has different ways of thinking, experiences, and communication styles.

However, if left unaddressed, miscommunication can damage workplace relationships. Therefore, effective communication is essential—one approach being assertive communication.

What Is Assertive Communication?

Assertive communication is a style of communication that involves expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly, directly, and honestly, while still respecting the rights and perspectives of others.

According to the Mayo Clinic, assertiveness is a communication skill that allows you to express yourself effectively based on your personal perspective, while respecting the rights and beliefs of others.

In the workplace, this style helps you when discussing your workload, providing feedback, and negotiating without triggering conflict.

Why Is Assertive Communication Important for Employees?

This communication style can help employees manage stress and anger, as well as cope with pressure. It can even boost self-confidence, leading to greater appreciation from coworkers. Here are some of the benefits.

• Greater self-confidence. You’ll be able to express your feelings and needs honestly, allowing you to make decisions with greater confidence
• Helps manage your workload. Assertiveness helps manage stress when you tend to take on too many responsibilities because you find it hard to say no
• More positive work relationships. Expressing your opinions firmly yet empathetically makes it easier for your boss and coworkers to understand your point.
• More effective negotiation and problem-solving. You can focus on resolving problems and finding solutions

Principles of Assertive Communication

There are at least four main principles that form the foundation for practicing an assertive communication style. Here they are.

• Honesty. Convey situations and feelings as they are so that your message is easily understood and trust is built
• Respect. Value yourself and others. Listen carefully and show empathy. If you disagree, respond politely to find a mutual solution
• Responsibility. Admit your mistakes and apologize when you’re wrong. Don’t shift the blame onto others
• Assertiveness and clarity. State what you need without being aggressive or simply giving in

Examples of Assertive Communication When Overwhelmed by Work

Imagine you’re overwhelmed with work, and then your supervisor assigns you an additional task. Here’s an illustration of how to apply assertive communication.

“Good afternoon, [Mr./Ms. Last Name]. May I take a moment to discuss my workload? Thank you for trusting me with this additional task. I’m currently working on [project name], which requires my full focus until [deadline]. If this new task is added now, I’m concerned the quality of both projects will suffer. Could we review our priorities? For example, perhaps some of my tasks could be postponed or delegated to a team member, or I could start this new task after [date]. I remain committed to delivering the best results.”

The key is to focus on the five steps: appreciation, facts, impact, proposed solutions, and a request for a decision.

How to Practice Assertive Communication

• Start small. Practice your new skills in low-risk situations—for example, with friends or family—before applying them at work.
• Use “I” statements. “I” statements convey your thoughts and feelings without sounding accusatory.
• Practice before important conversations. Role-playing can help you prepare the points you want to make
• Be confident in your contributions. Focus on the facts, needs, and solutions you offer
• Use open body language. Maintain good posture, make natural eye contact, and keep a neutral or positive expression. Adapt to the context and workplace culture
• Stay calm. Manage your emotions by staying calm, breathing slowly, and speaking in a firm, steady voice. If the situation escalates, take a pause before continuing the discussion
• Be proactive. Address challenges early on so they don’t pile up and become major problems
• Keep practicing and evaluating. Assertive communication takes practice. Use every mistake as an opportunity for self-evaluation

These are some insights and benefits of assertive communication, as well as how to apply it in the workplace. Keep in mind that your communication style is the foundation for building relationships with coworkers and supervisors. So it’s important to keep practicing it, so that messages can be conveyed firmly yet politely.

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