Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Let's get Communicating!

More and more people are coming into my office perplexed by communication within relationships. There are 3 important communication styles one should know. These are: aggressive, assertive, and passive. The most important communication style to display with other is assertiveness. I believe this is a characteristic we should all strive to have in our daily communication.

What is assertiveness? Assertiveness is being firm, direct, and honest with the person you are speaking with. It's respecting the rights of others and recognizing the importance of having your needs and rights respected as well. A person who displays assertiveness communication is confident about who they are and realize that they have choices about his or her life. Aggressive people are loud, bossy, and pushy. They dominate and intimate others as well as violate other's rights. This type of person "gets his or her way" at anyone's expense, steps on people, and reacts instantly. Lastly, passive communication is where an individual is unable to speak up for his or her rights, gets "stepped on" often, and is always very accommodating towards others. This communication style reminds me of the "proverbial doormat."

Now, analyze your own communication style. Which are you like? What do you need to do make a change? Need help with this change, call us at 954-800-0108.

~Kacee Tannenbaum, LCSW