Conflicts are bound to happen wherever you go. When they happen at work, you have a few options. You can be aggressive, passive, or passive-aggressive. However, none of these is the best answer. Show your assertiveness and gain respect while dealing with conflicts. Create a win-win or withdraw situation to be fair; it’s all possible just by being assertive.
25 Ways to be More Assertive
What follows next are a series of easy-to-implement phrases and behaviors. If conflict is imminent for you, I challenge you to try at least three of these techniques before the day is over.
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Before you communicate what your needs are in a particular situation, check in with yourself first as to what those needs are. Then convey them in a direct and respectful way.
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If someone surprises you with a request, tell them you need a time out before answering. Simply respond: ‘Thank you. I need to have a think about this first before I give you a response.’
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Be direct and use so-called ‘I’ statements, such as ‘I want…’ or ‘what I need is…’ Fully own what it is you’re saying, and don’t use roundabout ways to express it.
