Communication within the workplace is the lifeblood of collaboration and productivity. It's not just about transmitting information; it's about understanding and sincerely connecting with your colleagues. In many ways, the dynamics of communication within an office setting parallel those within personal relationships. Effective communication here is essential for fostering trust, resolving conflicts, and building healthy connections among coworkers.

When keeping the long-term productivity of your team in mind, communication is just as important – if not sometimes more important – than the work you are focused on accomplishing together. Why? Because the wellbeing of your people is integral to your level of collective accomplishment. People who are not in harmony always accomplish far less.

Understanding Communication Styles

Similar to personal relationships, communication styles within the workplace can vary widely. Understanding these styles can significantly enhance workplace dynamics. In turn, this affects how much you can all accomplish with one another.

Drawing from the wisdom of author and relationship expert Danny Silk, here are four common communication styles often observed in office settings. Only one of these is useful for ensuring workflow keeps momentum and stays on track…

Passive Communication: This style is characterized by a reluctance to express one's thoughts, feelings, or needs. In the workplace, passive communicators avoid confrontation or shy away from conveying their opinions. This can only lead to perpetual misunderstandings and unmet expectations. Anyone practicing this style of communication is likely allowing a lot of problems to slowly develop and remain unaddressed – wasting a great deal of their team members’ time.

Aggressive Communication: On the opposite end of the spectrum, aggressive communication involves expressing thoughts and feelings in a forceful or domineering manner. Aggressive communicators disregard others' perspectives. They only know how to prioritize their own needs, at the expense of anyone around them. You know you have an aggressive communicator when there is constant tension and conflict present in the office.

Passive-Aggressive Communication: This style combines elements of both passive and aggressive communication. Passive-aggressive communicators may appear compliant and peaceable on the surface. They frequently express resentment or hostility indirectly though, often through sarcasm, gossip, or subtle sabotage. This behavior absolutely erodes all trust over time, seriously damaging relationships within the office.

Assertive Communication: Assertive communication is the only truly effective and balanced approach to any relationship. It involves expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs openly and respectfully. It also requires genuinely listening to and considering others' perspectives, without judgment. Assertive communicators prioritize clarity and honesty in every dialogue, effectively pursuing trust and collaboration among team members.

The Power of Assertive Communication

Assertive communication always plays a crucial role in promoting healthy relationships and productive teamwork. When individuals feel empowered to express themselves freely with confidence, it creates an environment of mutual respect where everyone can be at ease. 

Assertive communication benefits business relationships in at least four key ways:

‍Team Unity: Assertive communication facilitates clear and open dialogue, allowing coworkers to better understand each other's perspectives, expectations, and needs. This clarity minimizes misunderstandings and unnecessary opportunities for offense, helping everyone feel like they are on the same “side” in the fight for a company’s success.

Conflict Resolution: Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, but assertive communication provides a constructive framework for resolving them. By addressing issues directly and respectfully, coworkers can work together to find mutually beneficial solutions. This prevents conflicts from escalating out of control, mitigating damaged relationships and emotional distance between folks.

‍Increased Trust: When individuals communicate assertively, they demonstrate integrity, sincerity, and a commitment to being for their colleagues. This is how trust is built on a team. Trust is essential for fostering a positive work environment where employees feel supported, valued, and motivated to perform their best. Trusting relationships involve people who are regularly reassured that they share a commitment to seeking each others’ best interests, even in the midst of challenges.

Removing Uncertainty: Assertive communication cultivates stronger connections among coworkers by allowing everyone to know that they are giving and receiving clear feedback to one another. Folks need to know that the signals they are given in any communication is both straightforward and accurate. Removing opportunities for confusion makes room for vulnerability, empathy, active listening, and mutual understanding.

Navigating Workplace Dynamics

To cultivate assertive communication within the workplace and build stronger relationships among coworkers, consider the following strategies:

Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas without fear of rejection or reprisal. Discourage any dynamics where people might try to punish or guilt-trip one another for simply being vulnerable or clear. Frequently invite feedback on team dynamics and work projects.

Provide Training and Support: Offer communication skills training to employees to help them develop assertive communication techniques. Make a point to regularly provide support and resources for conflict resolution and interpersonal communication. Consider asking everyone to read and discuss Bob Hassen and Danny Silk’s book Business of Honor. Alternatively, check out the CIO Advocate process – our professional development program for guiding your team through current, real-life situations.

Lead by Example: Model assertive communication practices as a leader or manager, demonstrating respect and empathy in your interactions with others. Do not let those you serve have reason to believe that you are controlling, easily offended, or dishonest on any level. Be willing to have hard conversations and carry a humble attitude when you do. Own your own potential communication failures, and expect others to do the same as you empower them to manage their own behavior.

Establish Clear Expectations: Communicate expectations regarding communication norms and values within the workplace. Regularly emphasize the principles laid out in this article, and talk through examples of what it may look like to best practice these traits in your setting. Invite the input of your team, helping them learn to intentionally and thoughtfully consider their own current approaches.

What It All Comes Down To

Maintaining assertive communication within the workplace allows organizations to create a culture of optimized collaboration, innovation, and success. Effective communication isn't just about conveying information… It’s also about showing people that they matter to you at least as much as their productivity matters. This is the only way to build strong connections and nurture a supportive, inclusive work environment where employees can thrive together.