Communication Styles: The Impact and Outcomes

Communication styles can have a significant impact on your ability to influence others and achieve your goals. In this article, you will learn about the key differences between assertive, aggressive, and passive communication styles, and how they affect your relationships, self-esteem, and outcomes.

Assertive Communication

Assertive communication is a healthy and effective communication style. Assertive communicators clearly express their thoughts, feelings, needs, and rights while respecting those of others. They use "I" statements, make direct eye contact, and use clear, concise language. Assertive communicators are typically honest, patient, and not easily influenced by others.

Benefits of assertive communication include:

• It promotes self-confidence and increases self-esteem.
• It helps to decrease stress and anxiety.
• It can result in more satisfying and respectful relationships.
• It encourages mutual understanding and respect.

This style is beneficial in most situations but is particularly effective when you need to assert your rights or needs or when trying to resolve conflicts.

Aggressive Communication

Aggressive communication is a style where individuals express their feelings and opinions in a way that violates the rights of others. Aggressive communicators tend to dominate others, using "you" statements, blaming, criticizing, and often displaying overbearing body language.

Downsides of aggressive communication include:

• It can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.
• It can harm relationships and alienate others.
• It can foster a negative environment of fear and hostility.
• It can lead to retaliation, further escalating conflicts.

While aggressive communication is generally not recommended, there may be certain situations, such as emergencies or crisis situations, where a firm and directive approach might be needed.

Passive Communication

Passive communication is a style where individuals suppress their feelings and fail to express their needs or rights. Passive communicators often avoid eye contact, speak softly, and exhibit a submissive posture.

Drawbacks of passive communication include:

• It can lead to feelings of resentment and helplessness.
• It can harm self-esteem and self-confidence.
• It can cause dissatisfaction in relationships due to unmet needs.
• It can result in being overlooked or taken advantage of.

Passive communication might be adopted temporarily to maintain peace in situations where a disagreement could lead to unwanted consequences. However, consistently adopting this style is not beneficial for personal growth and healthy relationships.

Passive-Aggressive Communication

Passive-aggressive communication is a style where individuals express their negative feelings or resentment in an indirect or non-confrontational way. This could include subtle actions designed to annoy or frustrate others, sarcasm, or neglecting responsibilities.

For instance, if a team member doesn't agree with a task assigned to them, rather than expressing their disagreement openly, they might procrastinate, make excuses, or intentionally perform the task poorly.

Impacts on Relationships, Self-Esteem, and Outcomes

All three styles of communication can significantly impact your relationships, self-esteem, and outcomes.

Assertive communication fosters respect, understanding, and positive outcomes. It can enhance your self-esteem as you respect both your own and others' needs and rights. Assertive communication can lead to better interpersonal relationships and more effective problem-solving.

On the other hand, aggressive communication can damage relationships, lead to conflicts, and harm your reputation. It can also lead to a short-term gain but a long-term loss, as people may comply out of fear but harbor resentment.

Passive communication can lead to decreased self-esteem, as you're not respecting your own needs and rights. This style can harm relationships due to unexpressed feelings and needs, leading to frustration and resentment.

A passive-aggressive style of communication can lead to a toxic work environment as it fosters miscommunication, confusion, and resentment among team members. It can also damage relationships as people may feel manipulated or undermined.

In conclusion, assertive communication is the most beneficial style, promoting respect, mutual understanding, and positive outcomes. It's essential to recognize your communication style and, if necessary, work towards becoming more assertive.