Assertive Verses Aggressive Communication Styles
Introduction
There are several factors that play a part in leading to solutions and success in different organizations. The way people communicate in an organization is a pertinent one. There are different styles of making a conversation, with the two most commonly used, such as aggressive and assertive communication styles. They may appear to be similar, but the differences and the effect they have on the listeners are dramatic.
Assertive communication style describes the communicator who makes his point in a direct and clear manner. The speaker achieves it with a strong and firm voice without any counterproductive and unnecessary fillers, such as “ahs” and “ums” (Hopkins). This way, the listener is left with no doubt of what the speaker is stating and the reasons behind what is being said. Aggressive communication style, on the other hand, is common for the communicators who use a tone that is deemed by the audienc that in some cases personal, resulting in unnecessary conflict. Individuals who use this style in most cases are poor listeners and always want things to go their way.
In most cases, assertive communicators start their
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It is because they prefer a win-lose approach in how they relate to their listeners and they do not try to come up with ways of ensuring that everyone who is involved in the communication can benefit (Sherman). Assertive communicators usually have the confidence to understand that when they admit mistakes, take responsibility, and apologize when they go wrong during their communication, it does not diminish their status but mend the relationship and interaction they have with the team. In cases where this style of communication is done in a genuine manner, it has been observed to strengthen the status of the communicators and bring the listeners closer
Many people believe verbal communication to be a very powerful way of expressing oneself. Words gain there power when the volume is raised and lowered alternatively to make a point. Additionally, the influence of speech can manifest itself in a number of ways. It can be used to humiliate, to intimidate, to flirt and to threaten, all of which are integral and pragmatic strategies to win a power struggle.
Best in any organization's leaders how your communication style and materials, mold people's understanding bigger and better arrangements in order to adapt and store longer. Word choice, voice communications, the way personal space application and interpretation of your behavior and expectations
Being an effective communicator is the key to success for a leader. Communication is defined by the authors in the text Organizations: Behavior, Structure, and Processes as transmitting information and understanding, usi...
Assertiveness is the ability to formulate and communicate one's own thoughts, opinions and wishes in a clear, direct and non-aggressive way. People who are assertive are often competitive and their behavior is goal directed. Though they play to win they also retain fairness and act in accordance with the rights of others.
Edmondson, J. (2009). Let's be clear: How to manage communication styles. American Society for Training & Development, Inc., 63(9), 30-31. Retrieved from http"//go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE|A212767598&v=2.1&=novaseu_main&it=r&p=ITOF&sw=w&asid=0abb8dfff77dba5f747cb1b4c13a9d9f
Aggression is any behavior that results in physical or emotional injury to a person or animal, or one that leads to property damage or destruction. Kostenik,et. al, (2014) identified that aggression can either be physical or verbal. Aggression is a behavior characterized by verbal or physical attack, yet it may be appropriate and self-protective or destructive and violent (Perry, 2007). Further, aggression is a spontaneous, impulsive act of anger. It is observable behavior which can depreciate, threaten, or hurt a person or destroy an object. It is unplanned and usually occurs during times of stress (Long and Brendtro, cited by Zirpoli, 2014). Aggression is viewed as a loss of self-control or an impulse break-through. Aggressive
As individuals, we are constantly learning what to say, do or think. Almost everything that we do is a result of learning it. Some things, we learn at a young age; while others may take years to obtain the knowledge. Assertiveness, is one aspect of learning and it is one of the toughest to obtain; but why? Is it not easy to stand up for what is right or say your own, opinion, maybe saying no, an easy two letter word? Well no, it is not easy, some people struggle with, this on an everyday basis. They try to figure themselves out and wonder why they weren’t honest or why did they let themselves be used. These are the questions I constantly had when I was growing up, not realizing that all I needed was to learn how to overcome my passive-aggressive
Moreover, there is a psychological difference in the way men and women communicate and try to influence others. According to the research, women tend to have cooperative and polite communication characteristics while men use assertiveness, aggressive as well as powerful communication traits (Merchant, 2012). In attempting to influence others, male managers tend to use tactics such as assertiveness, personal appeal while female managers use consultation, ingratiation appeal and exchange tactics with their male counterparts. Gender differences seen in leadership styles can be linked with the gender variations in communication and influence
In the world of communication, there are many theories which describe different ways people communicate. According to Doctor Thomas Hanitzsch, an associate professor of communication at the University of Munich in Germany, “Communication Theory is an international forum publishing high quality, original research into the theoretical development of communication from across a wide array of disciplines” (“Communication Theory”). A specific communication theory that will be highlighted is the Face-Negotiation theory developed by Stella Ting-Toomey. Simply stated, Dr. Ting-Toomey suggests that conflict is a consequence of identity management on an individual and cultural level, and occurs when an individual or group’s face is threatened. Similarly, people from individualistic, low context cultures interact differently from collectivist, high context cultures. This means that “people from collectivistic cultures with an interdependent self-image are concerned with giving ‘other-face’ or ‘mutual face,’ so they adopt a conflict style of ‘avoiding or integrating’” (Griffin “List”). Likewise, “people from individualistic cultures with an independent self-image are concerned with protecting self-face, so they adopt a conflict style of ‘dominating’” (Griffin “List”).
Most leaders are Conventionals. If you are a Conventional, you generally are already a good communicator. Understanding the principles of framing will help you to be seen as an even more effective communicator and leader (Fairhurst, 2011).
When it comes to communication there are many underlying things that effect the communication besides what is being said these things are nonverbal and unwritten communication. These things are what the mind sees or hears and you don’t necessarily have to recognize those subtle changes. Whether it is in the things you see from subtle facial expression change of the eyes squinting and a turn of the head as something is being spoken, or if it is the raise of the tone of the voice at the end of a sentence. Many of these things can change the whole meaning of what is being said for ether a positive way or a negative way. Another important part of communication that doesn’t have to do with the way something is being said but it is simply listening.
According to Gorkman’s theory, these four components known as C.O.A.T. are key to leadership assessment which "should be a predominant theme in the corporate environment" (Gorkman, 2009). First, Communication is vital in shaping a message that can educate team members, help members to visualize goals or persuade them of the worth of such goals, increase understanding, and gain respect. “Words coupled with action create energy and momentum to achieve" (Gorkman, 2009). In accordance with the Transformational leadership style, communication is emphasized as the basis for achievement. A characteristic that is additionally emphasized is charisma. Specifically in my personal experience, oral presentations have not been my strong suit. By working to improve my confidence and charisma while implementing better communication in my personal life, I can better convey my goals and persuade others to understand and respect my vision. Second, Opportunity is the ability to use "broad knowledge and perspective to create competitive and breakthrough strategies and plans for future sustainability and success" (Gorkman, 2009). Transformational leaders
In particular, authorities were troubled with understanding what type of communications are perceived as verbal aggressiveness. Aggression, forcefulness, and argumentativeness precisely
In this paper I will look at the four major leadership styles, their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and in what situations a particular leadership style is desired. Additionally, I will look at my leadership style and how I acquired this style throughout my career.
Madlock, P. E. (2008). The Link between leadership style, communicator competence, and employee satisfaction. Journal of Business Communication, 45(1), 61-78. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.