With win/win assertive communication at work, relationships can be made stronger, job performance can increase, and ultimately, job satisfaction will be higher. People often wonder how they can say what they need to say without hurting someone else’s feelings. Others wonder why individuals may not warm up to their direct communication. Win/win assertive communication allows you to say what you would like to say as long as it is not at your expense or at the expense of others. Ultimately, what is best for the company and the relationship is key to deciding whether you should say something and how it should be said.

What does it take to be assertive? Assertive communicators concentrate on the result they what from a situation rather than a result they do not want. They understand they have rights and so does the other person. Both parties are equal. They are non-judgmental and accepting of the other person’s opinion. They know they have the right to approach a co-worker, regardless of his or her position in the company.

After completing this activity, the participant should be able to:

• explain how to say what you want to say not at the expense of self or others.
• describe how to say “no” without feeling guilty.
• discuss how to give feedback and maintain dignity.
• describe how to hold others accountable.