Assertive Communication Skill: The 3 Cs Of Assertiveness For Managers

Assertiveness is an essential part of communication skills for managers. They enable you to express your needs and opinions assertively without becoming aggressive or passive-aggressive. Good communication skills can help improve your assertiveness and overall self-esteem, enabling you to voice your opinions and needs without fear of disapproval or rejection. And, of course, as with any skill, the more you practice them, the better you get at using them.

This blog discusses assertive communication skills essential for managers to support their employees and colleagues in building a supportive work environment. We will also help you identify areas where you can work to make your communication more assertive in the workplace.

So let’s get started.

What are assertive communication skills?

Assertive communication is a secure and direct way of expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs in a way that is respectful to oneself and others. It involves straightforwardly expressing oneself without being aggressive or passive.

Assertive communication skills are valuable for managers in many ways:

• Conflict resolution: By expressing themselves clearly and directly, managers can resolve conflicts in a more productive manner. They can assert their point of view without being confrontational and help diffuse tense situations.
• Improved relationships: Assertiveness can help managers build better relationships with their employees, as it demonstrates respect and consideration for others while setting clear boundaries. It increases trust and respect in the workplace.
• Increased influence: Assertiveness can help managers to improve their power and authority, as it demonstrates confidence, decisiveness, and a clear understanding of what is expected.
• Better decision-making: Assertiveness can help managers make better decisions by ensuring that all relevant information is taken into account and providing a clear and direct way to communicate their opinions and decisions.
• Time management: Assertiveness can help managers to manage their time more effectively, as it allows them to communicate their priorities, set realistic deadlines, and delegate tasks effectively.
• Improved performance: By using assertive communication, managers can provide clear expectations and feedback to employees, leading to improved performance and increased productivity.

Developing assertive communication skills requires practice and self-awareness, but with time, managers can develop this critical communication skill and improve their effectiveness as leaders. It is important to note that assertiveness is not the same as being aggressive, as it involves expressing oneself in a direct and honest manner while also considering the needs and feelings of others.

Check out “Assertive vs. aggressive: Know the difference!“

What are the three Cs of assertive communication skills?

The three Cs of assertive communication skills are control, clarity, and confidence.

Control

Control refers to maintaining control over a situation and one’s emotions. In assertive communication skills, this means staying calm, level-headed, and in control of the conversation, even in difficult or emotional situations. It allows one to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.

How to develop control in communication?

• Practice active listening: Pay close attention to what the other person is saying and resist the urge to interrupt or jump to conclusions. It helps to maintain control of the conversation and avoid misunderstandings.
• Stay calm: In difficult or emotional situations, take a deep breath, count to 10, or take a moment to collect your thoughts. It helps to maintain control of your emotions and allows you to respond in a clear and composed manner.
• Avoid getting trapped in biases: Your biases can often lead you away from the conversation. Instead, you assume the other party’s intent and message. It can cause significant misunderstandings in teams.
• Stay focused: Stay focused on the task and resist the urge to get sidetracked or distracted. It maintains control of the conversation and ensures that it remains productive.
• Use body language: Nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, gestures, and posture, can help to communicate confidence and control. Practice good posture and use confident, open body language to project control.
• Seek feedback: Seek feedback from others on your communication style, including handling difficult or emotional situations. With this, you identify areas for improvement and develop your control in communication.

Check out the 15 most important words in a manager’s vocabulary

Clarity

Clarity refers to the ability to express oneself clearly and directly. In assertive communication skills, this means stating one’s thoughts, feelings, and needs in a straightforward manner, without ambiguity or passive-aggressiveness. Clarity helps to ensure that one’s message is understood and that the conversation remains productive.

How to develop clarity in communication?

• Be specific: Be clear and precise in your communication, using concrete examples and avoiding generalities. It ensures that your message is understood and that there is no room for misinterpretation.
• Use “I” statements: Use “I” statements to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs instead of blaming or accusing others. For example, instead of saying, “you never listen to me,” try saying, “I feel unheard when I try to share my thoughts with you.” It will help team members understand your perspective.
• Avoid filler words: Minimize the use of filler words such as “um” or “ah,” as they can detract from the clarity of your message and undermine your credibility.
• Avoid multitasking: Give your full attention to the conversation and avoid distractions such as checking your phone or email. This helps to maintain clarity and ensures that the conversation remains productive.
• Use visual aids: Consider using visual aids such as diagrams, charts, or graphs to help illustrate your message. Presentations make complex ideas or concepts more clear and more understandable.

Confidence

Confidence refers to the belief in oneself and the ability to communicate effectively. Among assertive communication skills, this means standing up for oneself, speaking one’s truth, and being comfortable expressing opinions and needs. Confidence helps to establish credibility and influence and fosters respect and trust in relationships.

How to develop confidence in communication?

• Know your subject matter: Prepare thoroughly for any conversation or presentation or research the topic, and familiarize yourself with the key points. It builds confidence and ensures that you communicate effectively.
• Practice: Rehearse your message or presentation, practicing your delivery and body language. It enhances confidence and reduces the likelihood of nerves or hesitation during the actual conversation or presentation.
• Stay positive: Maintain a positive, confident attitude, and avoid negative self-talk. This projects confidence and reduces the impact of any stress or anxiety.
• Practice assertiveness: Be assertive in your communication, expressing your thoughts and ideas clearly and confidently. Avoid passive or aggressive communication styles, and strive for a balanced, proactive approach.
• Use confident body language: Use sure, open body language, smile, make eye contact, smile, and maintain good posture. It shows confidence and enhances the impact of your message.
• Invite feedback: Seek feedback from others on your communication style, including handling difficult or emotional situations. It can help you identify areas for improvement and develop your confidence in communication.

Combining control, clarity, and confidence allows one to communicate assertively and effectively in various situations. Whether resolving conflicts, giving feedback, or negotiating, assertiveness can help one to get their point across, build stronger relationships, and achieve desired outcomes.

It is important to note that assertiveness is not the same as being aggressive or overbearing, as it involves respecting the needs and feelings of others while also expressing oneself clearly and confidently. Assertive communication skills require practice and self-awareness, but with time and effort, one can develop these skills and improve communication in all areas of life.

Learn more about developing assertive communication skills at work with our detailed guide on assertive communication training for managers.

Is your communication assertive?

Assertiveness communication skills are the hallmark of an effective leader. When you are assertive, you communicate powerfully. In terms of communication, it is among the best styles that a manager can adopt to sail through many challenging situations that call for single-minded focus.

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Conclusion

Knowing how to assert yourself effectively is a skill that can make you a more competent communicator. Assertive communication skill doesn’t just help you be a better communicator but allows others to view you as more intelligent and respected. Unfortunately, communicating assertively doesn’t come naturally to everyone. You need to learn the basics of assertiveness through practice. If you want to learn more about assertiveness, check out our blog here.