Assertive & direct communication is all about striking a balance, being straightforward without being dismissive, being assertive without being aggressive. The benefits of direct & respectful communication extend beyond the workplace. These skills are transferable to personal relationships, helping to build stronger connections and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner. By practising clear and respectful communication in all aspects of life, we can enhance our overall interpersonal effectiveness and personal growth. You can access the full video in the classroom 📚 ______________ For those who favour reading over watching, below is the transcript 👇 Lastly, number seven what have we got? Addressing forgetfulness. Someone repeatedly forgets important tasks or information, and the passive aggressive person turns around and says, wow, you're really good at forgetting things, aren't you? In this context, the person is annoyed by the forgetfulness and masks their frustration with sarcasm. You see the common themes here. The abrasive person forgetting stuff again? Listen, we don't get paid to remind you so, hey, try to keep up. Yeah? Little bit too over the top. So this is when the colleague is openly frustrated and critical about the repeated forgetfulness. Now what does the powerful person do? It seems like this slipped your mind again. Let's find a way to keep track of it. So this is when a manager or team leader wants to address the issue constructively, focusing on solutions rather than criticism. So that's the end of the seven and these rephrased versions aim to maintain a constructive and respectable tone focusing on clear communication and collaboration rather than implying criticism or frustration. Clear and direct communication is crucial in many industries as well as personal relationships. So although I spoke into the context of work and career, they can easily be applied in any environment. Now I don't wanna dive into personal relationships today as I wanna stay with the theme of work and business. So let's quickly look at how this approach could be beneficial in six other settings that I've used here, industry settings. The first one is health care. Direct communication can avoid misunderstandings and ensure patient safety.

The importance of recognising and valuing team members' expertise is immense. By responding with openness and respect, rather than scepticism or confrontation, leaders can create an environment where team members feel confident to contribute their knowledge. This approach creates a collaborative culture and maximises the team's potential. If you’re an eager learner and prefer to watch the full video, you can access it in the classroom 📚 ______________ For those who favour reading over watching, below is the transcript 👇 Moving on to example number six, acknowledging expertise. So in this scenario, a team member suggests a solution on their specific expertise. And the passive-aggressive person responds, oh, I didn't realise you were an expert in this area. This person doubts the team member's expertise but doesn't want to challenge it openly. The abrasive person, ah, so you're the expert now. Go on let's see your grand plan. Once again, it's a power struggle. And this person is sceptical and confrontational about the team member's expertise. The direct person that communicates and responds powerfully. They could say something like, it sounds like you have experience in this area. Let's hear your ideas and your perspective. So when this person or colleague acknowledges and values the team member's expertise, what they're doing is they're encouraging them to share their knowledge, their information. It opens up a bigger dialogue.

Responding to concerns with honesty and appreciation is essential. Avoiding dismissive or harsh reactions and instead addressing concerns directly and respectfully shows you value the person's care while maintaining your boundaries. This approach enhances trust & facilitates open communication within the team. If you’re an eager learner and prefer to watch the full video, you can access it in the classroom 📚 ______________ For those who favour reading over watching, below is the transcript 👇 Example number five, responding to concerns. We all have concerns. Scenario, when you are asked about your well-being after seeming stressed or overwhelmed, the passive-aggressive person will respond. I'm fine, no need to fuss over me. In this context, the person wants to brush off the concern, but he's actually feeling down. The abrasive person, I said I'm fine, seriously, cut it out. Don't make a bigger deal than what it actually is. This is when the person is irritated by the concern and wants to end the conversation quickly. They're lacking the tools to soften things over. Direct person, hey I'm okay, thank you. I'm just processing at the moment. When or if I need something or some assistance, whatever it may be, I'll let you know. And in this context, the person appreciates the concern but prefers to handle the situation independently. Moving on to example number six, acknowledging expertise...

The effectiveness of sincere and direct communication when offering help cannot be overstated. Sincerity builds trust, as team members feel valued and supported rather than judged or coerced. Assertive communication eliminates ambiguity and ensures that the offer of help is clear and straightforward. This approach minimises misunderstandings and allows the struggling team member to feel comfortable accepting the assistance offered. If you’re an eager learner and prefer to watch the full video, you can access it in the classroom 📚 ______________ For those who favour reading over watching, below is the transcript 👇 Moving on, example number four what have we got? We've got offering assistance. So in the scenario, a team member seems to be struggling with a task. Now don't tell me that you've never struggled or seen someone struggle to be getting something done. The passive-aggressive person, wow, I'm just trying to help. In that context, the colleague offers help but feels rejected or unappreciated, expressing their frustration indirectly. Indirectly, the keyword there. The abrasive person, I'm offering help here. Take it or leave it. A little bit too direct in that context. So that's when the colleague is blunt in their offer of help, showing frustration at the perceived reluctance to accept assistance. And in the direct response, hey I've got some free time. How can I help you, what is there you need assistance with? Here, the person is genuine, and they wanna help and assist the person, and they approach the situation with a sincere offer of help. Example number five, responding to concern.

When a team member shares a spontaneous idea, responding with direct and respectful communication rather than passive-aggressive or abrasive remarks can significantly impact the team's creativity and morale. By valuing open communication and understanding, leaders can cultivate an atmosphere where all ideas are considered and discussed openly. If you’re an eager learner and prefer to watch the full video, you can access it in the classroom 📚 ______________ For those who favour reading over watching, below is the transcript 👇 Moving on to example number three, feedback on ideas. So in this scenario, a team member shares a spontaneous idea during a a brainstorming session. The passive aggressive person says, you just say whatever you think, don't you? Context, the colleague is annoyed by the spontaneous nature of the idea, but doesn't want to outright dismiss it. The abrasive person. So you just blurt out whatever's on your mind? Do you even think before opening your mouth? In that context, the colleague is visibly irritated by the idea and questions the thought process behind it in a very demeaning way. So it's a different kind of power struggle than the passive aggressive person. The direct person, they could respond with something like, I appreciate your honesty. Let's discuss your thoughts openly so I can better understand why you're thinking that and how it relates to the current issue. So in this context, when I manage, owner, team leader, whatever it is, values open communication, and what they wanna do is create a culture where ideas are discussed freely. Moving on. Example number four, we got offering assistance.