Definition of Assertive Communication

The communication it is one of the essential pillars in a happy relationship. Assertive communication influences relationships of friendship, couple, family and, of course, also in the professional context. Assertive communication is rewarding even in the relationship that a person establishes with himself. What is assertive communication? The assertiveness is the attitude that a person has when expressing their point of view in a clear way and in a way that is totally respectful to the interlocutor.

Understanding the importance of Assertive Communication with an example that occurs very frequently

The assertive communication avoids frequent mistakes such as personal attacks and reproaches (which generate even more distance in communication) and is committed to expression from feelings in first person. Here is a clear example of what assertiveness is.

For example, when two friends meet to go to the movie theater and one of them arrives half an hour late without prior notice, three possible situations can occur:

1. There are people who in this type of situation can act passively by repressing their discomfort and welcoming the friend as if they hadn't been uncomfortable from a long wait.

2. On the opposite side of the balance is the possible aggressive attitude of that friend who, tired of waiting and with his patience exhausted, receives his friend with reproaches and a fit of anger.

3. On the contrary, there is also a third possible attitude (the healthiest) which is the assertive attitude. An assertive person in this type of situation might express his point of view like this: I feel hurt when you arrive so late and you do not notify in advance because I feel that you do not value my weather". That is, it is a phrase in which the person justifies the way he feels from an objective fact.

An effective alternative to aggressiveness or passivity

Why is the assertive communication versus aggressiveness or passivity? Because it is a type of dialogue that enhances the empathy between the sender and the receiver, therefore, there is a rapprochement in personal positions, which enhances mutual understanding.

There are some words that are a clear example of an assertive message: thank you, sorry and please. Messages that when reinforced in the professional context, also improve the weather work thanks to a friendly and enriching communicative environment.