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EA-Pros Week 27—Assertiveness Skills for Assistants
Key Insights, Trends, and Strategies for EAs
Joshua Washington
June 25, 2024
"Being assertive does not mean being pushy, obnoxious, or overly aggressive. It means being clear about your needs and communicating them in a way that respects others." – Julie de Azevedo Hanks
In today’s edition of EA-Pros:
🌟 "Understanding Assertiveness" – Learn what it means to be assertive and why it's crucial for your career.
🔗 "Assertive Communication Techniques" – Master the art of expressing your needs and ideas clearly and respectfully.
🛠️ "Handling Conflict in the Workplace" – Strategies to maintain your stance while being receptive to feedback.
📬 Ask an Executive Coach: "How can I be assertive without crossing into aggressiveness?"
EA INSIGHTS
Key Insights to Help You Thrive!
Enhancing Professional Interactions with Assertiveness
Understanding Assertiveness
Assertiveness is a key communication skill that involves expressing your thoughts and needs clearly and directly while respecting others. It’s about balance; it lies between passive and aggressive communication. Understanding this balance is crucial as it affects how you negotiate, share feedback, and advocate for yourself without diminishing others' rights.
Assertive Communication Techniques
To communicate assertively, start by using "I" statements to express your feelings and thoughts without blaming or criticizing others. For example, say, "I feel overlooked when I am not included in the project discussions," instead of "You never include me in discussions." This approach fosters a more constructive and less confrontational interaction.
Practice active listening to show respect for the speaker’s viewpoints, even when they differ from your own. This not only helps in understanding the other party’s perspective but also demonstrates your respect and willingness to engage constructively.
Handling Conflict in the Workplace
When you express your needs and ideas assertively, pushback can sometimes occur. It's important to stay calm and collected in these situations. Reaffirm your position with facts and rational arguments, and be open to compromise where possible. This shows that you are both firm on your stance and flexible enough to accommodate reasonable adjustments.
Provide alternatives or solutions when facing opposition. For example, if a proposed change in workflow meets resistance, suggest a trial period or pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of the change before full implementation.
COACHING MOMENT
Ask an Executive Coach
Every week I take a question from you and provide a bit of strategic advice.
This week's question: "How can I be assertive without crossing into aggressiveness?"