Imagine you’re a leader in a company that’s undergoing a significant change in strategy. The change involves shifting the focus from traditional products to new, innovative solutions. This change has sparked concerns and uncertainty among the employees, as it requires learning new skills and adapting to a different way of doing things.
In this situation, emotional assertiveness can play a crucial role in guiding the team through the transition:
Open Communication 🗣️
As an emotionally assertive leader, you address the team with honesty and transparency. You acknowledge their concerns and express your understanding of the challenges they might be feeling. This validation helps create an atmosphere of trust and openness.
Sharing Your Emotions 🤝
You share your own emotions about the change. You admit that you also feel a mix of excitement and apprehension, showcasing that you’re human and can relate to their feelings. This honesty helps break down any perceived barriers between you and the team.
Providing Reassurance 👩💼
You assertively communicate the reasons behind the strategic shift and the potential benefits it can bring to the company and its employees. You reassure the team that their efforts and skills are valued and that the company is committed to supporting their growth throughout the transition.
Offering Support 🫶
Being emotionally assertive means you actively offer support to team members. You encourage them to voice their questions and concerns openly, both in one-on-one conversations and in group meetings. This approach helps you address individual needs and tailor your support accordingly.
Handling Resistance ✅
In cases where there’s resistance or scepticism about the change, you address it with empathy and assertiveness. You acknowledge differing viewpoints while firmly explaining the rationale behind the decision. You also encourage healthy debates and discussions, allowing team members to express their concerns constructively.
Maintaining Positivity 👏🏽
Through emotional assertiveness, you convey a positive outlook on the change. You highlight success stories from other companies that have undergone similar transformations and emphasize the opportunities that lie ahead. Your optimism helps counterbalance any negativity in the team.
Adapting to Feedback 👂🏻
Emotional assertiveness also involves actively listening to the feedback and concerns raised by your team members. If valid concerns emerge, you take them into consideration and work with the team to find solutions that address those concerns without undermining the broader strategy.
By employing emotional assertiveness in this scenario, you create an environment where team members feel heard, supported, and understood. This approach enables the team to align with the new strategy, work together more effectively, and contribute to the company’s success during the transition.
If you need more help and support with navigating the changes within your organisation, get in touch with John Parr:
Johnparr@psdci.co.uk | +44 7768 806 576