What do you do if your assertiveness is hindering the building of strong professional relationships?

1 Reflect First

Before making any changes, take a moment to reflect on your behavior. Consider the feedback you've received from colleagues. Are there patterns in their responses that suggest your assertiveness is too intense? Reflecting on your communication style and the outcomes it produces can help you understand the impact of your assertiveness. By being honest with yourself about the ways in which your approach may be perceived as overbearing or uncooperative, you can begin to make the necessary adjustments to improve your professional relationships.

2 Seek Feedback

It's important to seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to gain an outside perspective on your assertiveness. Ask them how they perceive your interactions and what you could do differently. This feedback can provide valuable insights into how your assertiveness may be affecting others and highlight areas for improvement. Remember to approach these conversations with an open mind and a willingness to listen and learn from what others have to say.

3 Adjust Approach

Once you've gathered feedback, it's time to adjust your approach. Try softening your language, using phrases like "I believe" or "I suggest," which can make your assertions less confrontational. Also, practice active listening by giving others the chance to speak without interruption, showing that you value their input. By modifying your behavior, you can maintain your assertiveness while also being respectful and considerate of your colleagues' perspectives.

4 Balance Assertiveness

Balancing assertiveness means knowing when to stand firm and when to compromise. It's about expressing your opinions clearly and confidently without dismissing or overpowering others. To achieve this balance, practice empathy by considering others' feelings and viewpoints. You can still be assertive while being open to collaboration and alternative solutions. Striking this balance is key to maintaining strong professional relationships.

5 Practice Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, which is vital for tempering assertiveness. By putting yourself in your colleagues' shoes, you can gauge how your words and actions might affect them. This doesn't mean you have to agree with everyone, but acknowledging their perspectives can make them feel heard and respected. Practicing empathy can transform your assertiveness from something that alienates others to a tool that facilitates better understanding and cooperation.

6 Maintain Respect

Finally, always maintain respect in your interactions. Respectful assertiveness means that while you're firm in conveying your stance, you're also considerate of the other person's dignity and viewpoint. Ensure that your tone, body language, and words convey respect, even during disagreements. This approach will not only help you preserve professional relationships but also encourage a culture of mutual respect within your team or organization.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?