Learning Task 4: Assertive Communication
Describe Assertive Communication
Different people communicate in different ways, and it is important to be able to ascertain what style of communication they are using to convey information. This prevents people from jumping to conclusions and allows us to understand things from other’s perspectives. Understanding communication styles and using assertive communication goes a long way in preventing conflict before it begins. There are four basic styles of communication: passive, passive aggressive, aggressive, and assertive. We will look at some of the key characteristics of each of these to help you identify them when engaging with others.
Passive communicators may be very agreeable to other people’s ideas, or indifferent. They may resist expressing their ideas or feelings to others and may not make eye contact during conversation. Passive communicators fail to stand up for themselves and do not express personal feelings, needs, ideas, or opinions in the workplace. Individuals who use this form of communication can easily be ignored or have their rights violated. Overall, they come across as less engaged than others involved in the conversation. Passive communication is generally considered ineffective as while it minimizes conflict, it does not allow for sharing of information and can create anxiety and resentment in the passive communicator. Non-assertive communication is viewed as emotionally dishonest, indirect, and inhibiting. It can lead to hurt and anger on the part of the individual, and pity and irritation by others.
Aggressive communicators are typically commanding and forceful with their communication. They may take over the conversation and communicate in a way which is rude, intimidating, hostile, and destructive. Aggressive communication may include shouting, threatening behaviour, and humiliating others. An individual who is acting aggressively has little respect for the rights and needs of others and achieves a goal at the expense of others. They may believe that they are the only ones with valid or useful ideas. Aggressive communication is also considered to be ineffective as it generally causes conflict and makes it challenging to hear the perspectives and ideas of others. It is inappropriate for the workplace and can lead to negative consequences with both supervisors and colleagues.
Passive aggressive communicators combine the passive and aggressive communication styles. Often this style of communication is confused as passive only communication. They may seem to agree with an idea outwardly while being covertly aggressive. This aggression could manifest itself as muttering comments to themselves, withholding communication or suggesting that others would disagree with the idea rather than themselves. This is also an ineffective communication style as it is indirect and leads to confusion and misplaced conflict. This type of communication is often hard to identify and creates a toxic wor