Many leaders hesitate to speak directly because they worry about being perceived as rude or offensive. As a result, conversations often become filled with vague phrases like “perhaps,” “maybe,” or “I don’t mind.”
The problem? This lack of clarity creates uncertainty and frustration. Instead of moving forward, teams end up circling around decisions without progress.
Think about those familiar conversations with friends about where to eat. Everyone says “I’m easy” or “I don’t mind,” in an effort not to be pushy. Instead of helping, it makes the decision almost impossible. The same dynamic plays out in the workplace every day.
Redirecting Conversations
The key is to understand that being assertive isn’t about being rude… it’s about offering helpful clarity. Assertive communication is clear, respectful, and adult-to-adult. Much of the impact lies not in what you say, but how you say it:
Pace: speaking at a steady, thoughtful rhythm shows calm confidence.
Tone: choosing a warm, balanced tone keeps your words respectful.
Facial expressions: maintaining openness reinforces trust.
How We Can Help
When you communicate directly with respect, you create certainty, build trust, and make collaboration easier. This is a cornerstone of Levati’s leadership development programs, executive coaching courses, and communication training for managers.
If you’d like to learn how to be assertive without crossing into rudeness, our Boost Your Influence online course is designed for just that. You’ll discover how to:
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Communicate clearly and respectfully.
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Balance directness with empathy.
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Improve communication in the workplace.
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Lead conversations with confidence and influence.
Boost Your Influence Online Course
Influence is a life skill; every choice you make in a conversation greatly impacts the outcome. Throughout the course, we will guide you through which decisions get the most fulfilling results.
You can learn to use these skills for just £30 (Including VAT) through our ‘Boost Your Influence‘ ONLINE course, making difficult conversations effective and efficient.
Our 11 modules can develop your discourse in both personal and work relationships. It can be taken at your own pace for 12 months, so we recommend referring back with continuous practice.
