MASTERING ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION FOR A WIN-WIN INTERACTION

Picture: Unsplash

Hello Lovelies, how was your Easter Celebration, mine was a quiet and restful one.

Here is a backstory before we get into today’s post.

So, during a recent visit to a well-frequented commercial center, an establishment I have patronized for approximately six years plus. A security officer approached us while we we taking some pictures, stating that photography was prohibited. I asked when this rule was implemented, he mentioned it had been in place for a long time, which I hadn't noticed during my visit just two months prior.

The situation escalated when a police officer with ammunition intervened, displaying intimidating body language and tone. The attempt to intimidate us was completely unwarranted and unprofessional. This encounter left me thinking about the importance of clear and respectful communication which is key.

The situation took a turn for the worse when another individual, wearing a neon vest and plain clothes joined the police officer. Both attempted to intimidate us, but we chose not to engage, preferring to walk away rather than compromise our integrity. Realizing further discussion would be futile, we decided to leave.

As we entered our car, the individual in the neon vest made a derogatory comment. He reiterated the same words when I asked him to repeat himself, thinking he might have misspoken. We immediately drove to the mall's administration block and reported the incident to the manager. The management team was sincerely apologetic and embarrassed by their staff's behavior, and demanded an apology from the workers to us.

We had a constructive conversation with the managers, who reiterated their commitment to training staff on effective customer communication and once again apologized. As a gesture of goodwill, they offered us a complimentary ticket to the arcade games and we exchanged contact information. In my opinion effective and polite communication would have prevented the situation from escalating.

Have you ever experience unprofessional communication? How did you respond, or how would you have handled such a situation?

Picture: Unsplash

 Building on my recent experience, I'd like to discuss the importance of assertive communication and how it can help navigate similar situations more effectively. 

Have you ever struggled to express yourself without coming across as rude or passive? Let's break it down:

Tips for Assertive Communication

1. Be direct and clear: State your needs and opinions clearly and concisely.

2. Respect the other person: Acknowledge their perspective, even if you disagree. Try phrases like "I understand you feel."

3. Maintain calm body language: Non-verbal cues matter. Keep eye contact, use a steady tone, and relaxed posture.

4. Know your boundaries: Be clear about what you will and won't accept. Saying "no" can be assertive, not rude.

5. Focus on the issue, not the person: Address specific behaviors or situations, not character or personality.

Assertive communication leads to:

 Healthier relationships

Better conflict resolution

It enhances personal and professional relationships

 More effective outcomes

Self-respect and respect for others (very important)

Talk to you in my next post, be you, be kind, stay blessed and remain humble.