9 November 2018

Assertive phrases: learn how to stand up for your rights at work

assertive phrases

Not all team members know how to use assertive phrases when the time comes. Many impose their will regardless of the consequences, acting aggressively towards others and without regard for their interests; while, at the other end of the spectrum, there will be those who do not know how to say no, always put themselves last and end up succumbing to the will of others.

Neither of these extremes is positive for the company and, if you already have an existing programme of flexible compensation or you resort to solutions such as Ticket Restaurant or Childcare Ticket for maintaining the right levels of motivation in the workforce, If you do not, you should help your employees to be more assertive.

In the following lines we will review What is assertiveness, what does it mean to be assertive and we will give some examples of assertive sentences.

Table of contents

Assertiveness is the ability to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs in a clear, honest, and respectful way.

Assertiveness is the ability to express one's own desires or needs without neglecting those of others.. It is a state of harmony where, starting from respect, a very effective level of communication is achieved where you can talk about all topics and Express any point of view, but from a place of empathy and self-assurance.

Assertiveness is not about winning, The Commission has also been asked to consider the feelings, circumstances and needs of others; and nor is it a matter of giving in, This quality implies being sure of oneself, being firm in one's convictions and being able to express one's desires and needs clearly and without repressing them.

Being assertive means expressing your needs and opinions clearly and respectfully, without being aggressive or passive.

Being assertive means being convinced that no one is superior to another person and that we all have the same rights. In the workplace, for example, an assertive person will not be afraid to ask for a change in work rotas or to say no to a last-minute request. on a Friday afternoon.

In the same way, this same individual will know how to understand their interlocutors and will make an effort not to put their own interests before those of others, if it could cause them harm; for that reason, they will sometimes accept that what others propose is carried out, even if it were not their first option.

Examples of assertive sentences

Examples of assertive phrases that can be used in the workplace there are many, although among the most recurrent (and useful) are the following:

  1. Assertive phrases to buy time: «I'll think about it and call you, or »I'm not sure, do you mind if I think about it for a while?“ . The advantage of these assertive phrases is that they avoid a blunt 'no' and its negative effects on the relationship with the other person.
  2. Assertive phrases that include a thank you: “Thank you, but I'm not interested”, «Thank you, but I need a bit of time to myself right now», «Thanks for keeping me in the loop, but I can't make it this time». A simple option that always works is «No, thank you» accompanied by a smile. The advantage of these assertive phrases is that, along with gratitude, they include the necessary touch of empathy.
  3. Assertive phrases and explanatory: «I don't agree with you. I see the situation this way”, «I would like you to respect my point of view», «I feel offended by your comment». The advantage of these assertive phrases is that they allow for an exchange of thoughts, feelings, desires, and opinions that can be beneficial for the relationship with the other person in the long term.

As we've seen, assertiveness avoids misunderstandings and lays the foundations for a healthy relationship between work colleagues. What are you waiting for to help your employees use these assertive phrases more often?

Edenred Spain