What do you do if assertive communication is causing tension within your team?

1 Assess Impact

Assessing the impact of assertive communication on your team is the first step toward resolving any tension it may have caused. Reflect on the feedback you've received and observe the team dynamics carefully. Are there signs of discomfort or resistance when assertive language is used? It's important to distinguish between temporary discomfort that leads to growth and persistent tension that hinders collaboration. By understanding the specific ways in which assertiveness is affecting your team, you can begin to make the necessary adjustments to your communication style.

2 Open Dialogue

Opening a dialogue is a crucial step in addressing the tension caused by assertive communication. Create a safe space for team members to express their thoughts and feelings about the communication dynamics. Encourage them to share their experiences without fear of judgment or retribution. This open dialogue can provide valuable insights into how your assertiveness is perceived and what aspects might be contributing to the tension. It's an opportunity to clarify intentions, address misunderstandings, and collectively explore ways to improve communication within the team.

3 Adjust Style

Once you've identified how assertive communication is impacting the team, it's time to adjust your style accordingly. This doesn't mean abandoning assertiveness altogether; rather, it involves fine-tuning your approach to be more sensitive to the team's needs. Consider the timing, tone, and context of your assertive messages. Perhaps a more empathetic tone or a different setting for discussions could ease the tension. Adjusting your style is about finding the balance between maintaining your own voice and respecting the comfort levels of your team members.

4 Foster Empathy

Fostering empathy within the team can go a long way in mitigating the tension caused by assertive communication. Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which can help in recognizing why certain assertive approaches may be received negatively. Encourage team members to put themselves in each other's shoes and consider the impact of their words and actions. By promoting an empathetic culture, you create an environment where assertiveness is balanced with compassion, leading to more harmonious interactions.

5 Reinforce Purpose

Reinforcing the purpose of assertive communication can help alleviate tension by reminding team members of its benefits. Assertiveness aims to express thoughts and needs clearly and respectfully, not to dominate or intimidate. Emphasize that assertiveness is a tool for building mutual respect and achieving common goals. When the team understands that assertiveness is meant to enhance teamwork rather than undermine it, they are more likely to embrace this communication style and work through any initial discomfort.

6 Seek Feedback

Finally, seeking feedback is an essential part of resolving tension related to assertive communication. After making adjustments, ask team members for their honest opinions on the changes. Are they noticing improvements? Do they feel more comfortable during interactions? Continuous feedback will help you gauge the effectiveness of your efforts and make further refinements as needed. Remember, effective communication is a two-way street, and incorporating feedback is key to ensuring that assertiveness strengthens rather than strains your team's dynamic.