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Assertiveness PDF

The document discusses different communication styles: passive, passive/aggressive, aggressive, and assertive. Passive communication is indirect and avoids conflict, while aggressive communication blames and demands. Assertive communication is direct but respectful, addressing issues constructively and focusing on solutions. It enables expressing opinions without attacking others, refusing unreasonable requests, and providing feedback to motivate others in a positive way. The assertive style builds trust and collaboration for effective long-term relationships and organizational success.

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Sharmi Roy
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166 views

Assertiveness PDF

The document discusses different communication styles: passive, passive/aggressive, aggressive, and assertive. Passive communication is indirect and avoids conflict, while aggressive communication blames and demands. Assertive communication is direct but respectful, addressing issues constructively and focusing on solutions. It enables expressing opinions without attacking others, refusing unreasonable requests, and providing feedback to motivate others in a positive way. The assertive style builds trust and collaboration for effective long-term relationships and organizational success.

Uploaded by

Sharmi Roy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION

Dr Shilpee A Dasgupta
Communicate to connect and motivate
Effective communication is the lifeblood of a successful
organization (Wyatt, 2006).
People consider emotional comfort as one of the major elements
of motivation and love to be managed by people-centric
communication one that has the human factor at the centre of
things (Bardwick, 2007).
Great leaders through effective communication create
connection cultures that meet the emotional needs in the
people they lead (Bardwick, 2007).
Communication
Communication is multidimensional and takes place at two
separate but interrelated levels:

1. The content level (what)

2. The relationship level (how)


Communication Style
Communication style is the way one verbally, non-verbally,
and para-verbally interacts to signal how literal meaning should
be taken, interpreted, filtered, or understood (Norton, 1983,
p.58).
Passive Communication
Soft voice
Overly agreeable, no point of view expressed
Avoidance
Withdrawn body language
Sound unsure
Beat around the bush
Sound hopeless or helpless
Some Passive Messages
Uhif thats the way you want to do itum, thats
fine with me.
I dont know if I could do that.
Ill talk to him soon about that problem; Ive just been
really busy.
Im sorry to ask you.
I hate to bother you.
Maybe thats a good idea.
Passive/Aggressive
Communication
Appears to agree but really does not agree
Tells others but not the source of the
concern
Makes subtle digs and sarcastic remarks
Keeps score, sets conditions
Nonverbal message contradicts the verbal
message
Holds back expressing concerns or providing
assistance
Criticizes after the fact
Some Passive/Aggressive Messages

I knew that wouldnt work.


If thats the way you want it
How could you even think that?
When was the last time you helped me?
Aggressive Communication

Blaming, accusing
Intimidating body language
Demanding, ordering
Raised voice
Harsh, personal language
Verbal browbeating
Some Aggressive
Messages
You must
Because I said so.
You idiot!
You always
You never
Who screwed this up?
Assertive Communication
Takes responsibility
Takes initiative
Listens actively
Speaks up, is direct and constructive
Shows sincerity
Is solutions focused
Assumes a confident voice and body language
Addresses concerns directly to the source
Requests needs
Some Assertive Messages
Yes, that was my mistake.
As I understand your point
Let me explain why I disagree with that point.
Lets define the issue and then explore some options
to help resolve it.
Please hear me out and then work with me to resolve
my concern.
Some Assertive Messages

Yes, that was my mistake.


As I understand your point
Let me explain why I disagree with that point.
Lets define the issue and then explore some options
to help resolve it.
Dont confuse aggressive with
assertive.
Aggressive Assertive
Blunt Direct
Harsh in tone Firm in tone
Blame and Browbeat Collaborates on
Push for your own solutions
way Speaks up, yet hears
One-way conversation others opinions
flow Two-way conversation
flow
Comparison between the three communication styles
Passive Assertive Aggressive

Verbal
Apologetic words, hidden Statement of wants, needs, Loaded words, accusations,
meaning, hedging, failure desires, honest statement of subjective terms,
to come to the point, feelings, objective words, commanding, dominant,
disconnected, at a loss for direct statements which say superior words; blame or
words, failure to say what what one means (I put-down (you message).
one really means. message).
Non-Verbal
a) General
Actions instead of words, Attentive, listening, Exaggerated show of
hoping someone will guess generally assured manner, strength, flippant, sarcastic
what you want, looking as communication of caring style, an air of superiority.
if you dont mean what one and strength.
says.
Comparison between the three communication styles
b) Specific

Weak, hesitant, safe, Open, frank, direct eye Voice is tense, shrill, loud,
sometimes wavering voice, contact. shaky, cold, deadly quiet,
eyes are averted downcast, demanding and authoritarian.
teary, pledging, posture is Posture is stiff and rigid.
stopped; there is excessive
head nodding and tilting.
Hands are fidget and fluttery.

Feelings
Hurt, anxious, disappointed Confidence, self-respect, Angry, then righteous,
in self at the time and feels good about self at the superior, possibly guilty
possibly later. time and later. later.

Outcome
Does not achieve desired Achieves goals both long and Achieves desired goal by
goal, does not get needs met, short-term. Improves self- hurting, alienating and
accumulates anger, and feels confidence, needs are met, intimidating others.
The assertive communication style
enables a person to
express his/her opinions and thoughts in a direct way
without attacking others
refuse an unreasonable request without feeling guilty,
give people constructive feedback instead of criticism
give recognition and praise to people at the right time
and create a motivational climate
deliver a firm message by asking questions through a
clever approach or ask effective questions to probe for
facts and provoke for ideas
trust people
create a collaborative and congenial working
environment
make long term relationships
Thank You

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