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

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 o 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.

What is assertiveness?

Assertiveness is the ability to express one's own desires or needs without neglecting those of others.. It is a state of harmony where, on the basis of respect, a very effective level of communication is achieved where all subjects can be discussed and express any point of view, but with empathy and self-confidence.

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.

What does it mean to be assertive?

Being assertive means being convinced that no one is more than anyone else 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 schedules or to say no to a last-minute request. on a Friday afternoon.

Likewise, the same individual will understand his or her interlocutors and will make an effort not to put his or her own interests ahead of those of others, if that might cause them harm; for that reason, he or she will sometimes accept that what others propose be taken forward, even if it was not his or her first choice.

Examples of assertive sentences

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

1. Assertive phrases to buy time: «I'll think about it and get back to 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 an outright no and its negative effects on the relationship with the interlocutor.
2. Assertive phrases that include a thank you: “Thank you, but I'm not interested”, «Thank you, but I need some time for myself right now», «Thank you for keeping me in the loop, but I can't do 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, with the thank you, 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 am offended by your comment». The advantage of these assertive phrases is that they allow for an exchange of thoughts, feelings, wishes and opinions that can be beneficial for the relationship with the interlocutor in the long run.

As we have seen, assertiveness avoids misunderstandings and lays the foundation for a healthy relationship between co-workers. What are you waiting for to help your employees use these assertive phrases more often?