Assertive Workplace Communication

Assertive Confidently expressing what you Think Feel Believe Standing up for your rights while respecting the rights of others

Aggressive Expressing yourself in ways that Intimidate Demean Degrade Going after what you want in ways that violate the rights of others

Assertive People Respect themselves and others Goal is to get and give respect Ask for fairness Leave space for compromise when needs and rights conflict

Passive Message “I don’t count much – you can take advantage of me.” “My feeling aren’t very important – yours are.” “My thoughts aren’t very important – yours are.” “I’m nothing – you are superior.” Goal – please others and avoid conflict at any cost.

Aggressive Message “This is what I think – you’re stupid for thinking differently.” “This is what I want – what you want isn’t important.” “This is what I feel – your feelings don’t count.” Goal – domination and winning

Assertiveness Approaches Use direct, simple answers Use empathy in answers Use “I” messages Use increasing firmness Confront broken agreements Follow the chain of command

Your Rights Right to be treated with respect Strategy - Give it to get it back Right to a reasonable work load Strategy – Get rid of “nurse zombies” Learn to delegate Reprimand / dismiss “do-nots”

Rights cont. Determine your own priorities Ask for what you want Say “NO” without feeling guilty Make mistakes and be responsible for them Give and receive information as a professional Act in the best interest of the client Be human

Passive Reluctant or unable to express confidently what you Think Feel Believe Allows others to violate your rights without challenge

Communication Think about the trends in society and how they impact communication Gender issues Social status Education Technology (texting, email, etc) Language Cultural issues