What do you do if your assertiveness is hindering collaboration in the UX field?

If my assertiveness is causing problems with teamwork in UX, I'd fix it. "Collaboration is key in this field". First, I'd think about how I communicate and listen to others. I'd ask for feedback to see how my assertiveness is seen by my team. Then, I'd try to understand their perspectives and find ways to work together better. I'd also look for ways to improve my communication skills, maybe by joining workshops or training sessions. My aim is to find a balance between being assertive and being a team player, so we can all work well together in UX.

1. Practice active listening to better understand others' perspectives. 2. Seek feedback on your communication style and adjust as needed. 3. Collaborate in a way that values input from others and fosters a team-oriented approach.

Before reacting defensively, take a step back. Ask yourself: Am I presenting my ideas clearly? Am I listening openly to others' perspectives? Is my tone overly critical? Honest reflection helps identify areas where assertiveness might be tipping into aggression that shuts down collaboration.

If you've reached a stage where you recognize that assertiveness might be a factor, shifting your approach to seeking feedback becomes crucial. Focus on openness and ask your team members how they prefer to receive updates, ideas, and feedback. A helpful strategy could be drafting an email with these questions and then using AI to evaluate its assertiveness level. This ensures you receive the necessary feedback in a more receptive tone rather than an assertive one. Once you receive feedback, take the time to thoroughly digest it and remain open-minded.

Don't be afraid to ask colleagues for honest feedback on your communication style. Frame it as a desire to improve collaboration. Their insights can reveal blind spots and help you calibrate your assertiveness for a more collaborative approach.

Based on my experience as a UX designer specializing in digital learning development, if you're finding that your assertiveness is hindering collaboration in the field, consider adjusting your approach. Try actively listening to others, creating an open space for feedback, and adapting your communication style to be more collaborative and inclusive. Building strong relationships with team members and valuing their input can greatly improve collaboration dynamics.

Early in my UX career, my passion for user-centered design sometimes came across as overly critical task. Seeking feedback from a senior designer revealed a tendency to interrupt and dominate discussions. By consciously practicing active listening and focusing on facilitating discussions, I found myself collaborating more effectively and drawing on the strengths of the entire team. This led to richer design solutions and a more positive work environment.