Assertive Communication for Managers

One of the challenges of being a manager today is providing strong leadership, while encouraging your employees to work as a team. Through assertive management you can be a more effective leader by using assertive communication skills.

The guidelines listed below can help you improve those skills.

Learn the importance of active listening

With active listening, you - as the listener - tell the speaker your understanding of his or her message. This allows you to make sure you truly understand the intended message. In order to determine the message you must do more than listen to words, you must observe body language and listen to voice tone. Ask yourself, "What is this person really saying to me?" Listening actively helps you to clarify a confusing or unclear message. Perhaps most importantly, active listening relates to the speaker that you are listening.

Give assertive, yet tactful criticism to your subordinates

Assertive criticism helps you confront problems in a way which involves your employee and encourages cooperation to solve the problems. It opens up the lines of communication between you and the employee. When you are criticizing an employee, focus on the problem or behavior, rather than the employee personally. That will keep you from sounding accusing, and your employee from becoming defensive. Once you've called the employee's attention to the problem, discuss the causes and ask for his or her perspective. Together, you can then develop a plan for solving it.

Respond to criticism assertively

Responding assertively to criticism is often necessary for you to get the information you need to solve problems, relieve tensions and keep the lines of communication open. When criticized, don't automatically take it personally. Don't feel angry or guilty. Instead concentrate on solving the problem. Because many people find it difficult to criticize, accept it in a non-threatening, positive manner which tells the person you're ready to work towards a solution. Try to clarify exactly what in the criticism is causing problems for the other person, and then look for a mutually agreeable solution. The way you accept the criticism may determine the outcome of the conflict.

Assert yourself with superiors and colleagues

Difficult as it may seem, there are often times when you need to be assertive with a superior. One of the first keys to remember when doing this is don't personally attack the superior or try to undermine authority. Be constructive, not personal. Be aware of unwritten codes and political situations which could help or hinder your efforts to bring out change. When being assertive with colleagues, follow the same rules. Your assertive message to superiors and colleagues can be made by building a thoughtful, convincing case, not by throwing your weight around.

Your management style impacts how you assign responsibilities, attack problems and interact with others in the workplace. An assertive approach can improve your work area and help make you a more effective leader.

Talk about it