Assertive communication: the key to productivity

Nothing flows if it's closed off; if your windows are shut, it's very hard for air to refresh your home. If a river is blocked, it doesn't flow, it doesn't run its course, and so the water doesn't reach everyone. As you can see, for good things to arrive, there must be openness.

For a professional to have greater productivity and good development in their area of work, they must be open, mentally and emotionally willing, so they can perform well and fulfill the vision and objectives of the company they work for.

That's why when a leader, instead of communicating with their team through coherence, respect and trust, does so through humiliation, prejudice and threats, every door that allows the flow of ideas, commitment and the pursuit of the common good closes.

The employee's mind automatically shuts down, halting all progress and putting productivity at risk. So it's imperative that you, as a leader, change your communication codes and understand that what is said and how it's said will determine your company's success.

Assertive communication means giving corrections with kindness and empathy, with courtesy, and, with great intelligence, choosing the right words when addressing your work team. That way you'll build solid relationships in favor of growth.

Consider that shouting and insulting won't help you get your opinions across so your ally learns and rows enthusiastically toward the company's productivity; on the contrary, you'll generate friction and clashes that will weaken relationships and shut down your workers' minds, making them unwilling to cooperate.

Assertiveness is the ability to express your intentions in a healthy and positive way. The goal of being a leader who communicates assertively is to say what you want and expect in a civil, intelligent way, with lessons reinforced by facts and, above all, giving the other person the chance to express themselves, so as to negotiate and ultimately achieve the goal.

Always rely on proactive communication, where understanding and reasoning prevail. That's why here are 5 tips for good assertive leadership communication.

• Understand the other person.
• Convey confidence.
• Avoid prejudice.
• Speak with respect.
• Don't scold, teach.

Remember that your commitment must be: communicate, to grow.