In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, effective communication is key. Yet, assertive communication—a style that balances confidence with respect—remains an area where many struggle, especially women leaders. Research shows that while men are often perceived as assertive when expressing their opinions, women can unfairly be labelled as aggressive for the same behaviour. This double standard presents significant challenges, but it also highlights the importance of mastering assertive communication.
According to a 2023 study by McKinsey & Company, 62% of women leaders report being regularly ignored or spoken over in meetings, compared to 40% of men. This disparity is not just a matter of perception; it’s a real obstacle that women face daily in their professional lives. The good news? Assertive communication offers a powerful tool to overcome these challenges.
What is assertive communication?
Assertive communication is the ability to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and directly while respecting the rights and feelings of others. It strikes a balance between being passive (where your needs are not met) and aggressive (where others’ needs are disregarded). At its core, assertive communication is about mutual respect and clarity.
This communication style is crucial because it allows you to advocate for yourself without compromising your integrity or relationships. It involves standing up for your personal boundaries while remaining open to others’ viewpoints.
Why is assertive communication important?
Assertive communication plays a vital role in effective leadership. It fosters an environment of trust, encourages open dialogue, and helps prevent misunderstandings.
Here’s why it’s particularly important:
- Building strong relationships: assertive communication helps build stronger, more respectful relationships. When you communicate assertively, you express your needs and listen to others, creating a collaborative atmosphere.
- Enhancing confidence: by asserting your thoughts and feelings, you reinforce your self-worth. This not only boosts your confidence but also increases others’ respect for you.
- Improving problem-solving: assertive communication enables clear and constructive conversations, which are essential for resolving conflicts and making decisions.
- Reducing stress: when you communicate assertively, you reduce the internal conflict that comes from bottling up your emotions. This can lead to lower stress levels and a greater sense of control over your environment.
Challenges Women Leaders face with assertive communication
Despite its benefits, assertive communication can be challenging, especially for women leaders.
These are some of the common obstacles:
- Gender stereotypes: women who communicate assertively often face negative stereotypes. While men might be seen as strong and decisive, women might be unfairly labelled as bossy or aggressive for the same behaviour. This double standard can make it difficult for women to assert themselves without facing backlash.
- Fear of backlash: the fear of being perceived as too aggressive or unlikeable can hold women back from being assertive. This can lead to a more passive communication style, where women may avoid speaking up altogether.
- Balancing empathy and assertiveness: women are often expected to be nurturing and empathetic, which can conflict with the directness required in assertive communication. Finding the right balance between kindness and assertiveness can be tricky.
- Lack of role models: many women lack female role models who exemplify assertive communication. Without seeing examples of effective assertiveness, it can be challenging to develop these skills.
Strategies to develop assertive communication
Developing assertive communication skills is essential for overcoming these challenges.
Here are some strategies to help you cultivate assertiveness:
Use “I” Statements
“I” statements are a cornerstone of assertive communication. They help you express your feelings and needs without placing blame or making others feel defensive.
Examples:
Instead of: “You always interrupt me during presentations.”
Try: “I find it challenging to stay on track when I’m interrupted during presentations. I would appreciate it if we could avoid interruptions until the end.”
Instead of: “You never let me speak in meetings.”
Try: “I feel frustrated when I don’t have a chance to share my ideas.”
This approach shifts the focus to your experience, making it easier for the other person to understand and respond to your concerns.
Practise Active Listening
Assertive communication isn’t just about speaking your mind—it’s also about listening to others. Active listening involves fully focusing on the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully. This shows respect for the other person’s viewpoint and helps create a more productive dialogue.
Example:
Scenario: A colleague expresses frustration over a tight deadline.
Response: “I hear that you’re concerned about the deadline. I also feel the pressure, but I believe we can manage it by breaking down the tasks. How do you feel about that?”
Set Clear Boundaries
Setting boundaries is a key aspect of assertiveness. It involves clearly communicating what you will and will not accept in your interactions with others. This helps prevent resentment and ensures that your needs are met.
Example:
Instead of: Saying yes to every request, leading to burnout.
Try: “I can take on this project, but I’ll need to adjust the deadline for my other tasks to ensure quality work. Is that acceptable?”
Stay Calm and Composed
Maintaining your composure is crucial when communicating assertively, especially in challenging situations. Practise deep breathing, pausing before you speak, and keeping your tone even. This not only helps you stay in control but also prevents the conversation from escalating into conflict.
Example:
Scenario: A heated discussion about project direction.
Response: “I understand this is a high-stakes situation. I believe it’s important that we all take a moment to gather our thoughts before continuing. Let’s take a five-minute break.”
Use Positive Body Language
Your body language should align with your words. Maintain eye contact, stand or sit up straight, and use gestures that convey confidence. Avoid crossing your arms or appearing closed off, as this can send mixed messages.
Example:
Scenario: Presenting your ideas in a meeting.
Response: Stand tall, make eye contact with your audience, and use open gestures to emphasise key points.
Reflect and Adapt
After each assertive communication attempt, reflect on what went well and what could be improved. This reflection will help you fine-tune your approach and become more effective over time.
Example:
Scenario: After a challenging conversation with a team member.
Reflection: “Did I express my needs clearly? Did I listen to their perspective? What could I have done differently to ensure a more positive outcome?”
The Balance: Assertiveness and Kindness
One of the biggest misconceptions about assertiveness is that it’s incompatible with kindness. However, assertiveness is not about bulldozing over others’ feelings; it’s about being clear and honest while remaining respectful and empathetic.
Being kind and assertive means you can express your needs and opinions without diminishing the other person’s perspective. It’s about finding a balance where you can be firm but fair, direct but diplomatic.
Example:
Scenario: You need to decline a request from a colleague.
Response: “I really appreciate you thinking of me for this project. However, I’m currently at capacity and wouldn’t be able to give it the attention it deserves. Could we explore this at a later date, or would you like me to suggest someone else who might be able to assist?”
This approach ensures that your message is clear and your boundaries are respected, without leaving the other person feeling dismissed.
Mastering assertive communication is an invaluable skill. It empowers you to express your thoughts and needs confidently, navigate gender-based communication challenges, and build stronger, more respectful relationships.
And remember, assertiveness is not about being aggressive; it’s about being clear, confident, and kind. As you practise these strategies, you’ll find that assertiveness not only strengthens your leadership but also fosters an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
