What do you do if your assertive communication style is not being respected in a strategy role?

Encountering situations where my assertive communication style wasn't respected in my strategic role was disheartening. I addressed the issue directly through calm, constructive discussions, emphasizing mutual respect. Adapting to cultural nuances and organizational dynamics, I sought to understand underlying reasons for the disconnect. Seeking guidance from HR and investing in communication skills were crucial. Ultimately, navigating these challenges reinforced the importance of patience, empathy, and open dialogue.

Assertive communication issue in strategy role? Have a 1:1 discussion to understand the problem: - Is it related to your personal communication style? - The platform or medium used to communicate the strategy. Eg. Email, F2F meeting, call, townhall, company-wide memo - Lack of understanding of the strategy - Lack of buy-in and belief in the strategy itself - Personal credibility of the messenger carrying the message Strategy is not just about communication but requires good leadership for successful execution.

Not going to lie, sometimes you need to smash heads together to get it done. Change is never easy and there's often resistance. But that's rarely the case and for most of your career in strategic roles you're going to have to bring people with you along the journey - and that necessitates a more collaborative, maybe even collegiate style. There may be difficult advice, or changes that are unpopular where you're at the forefront. That may require a soft-soap approach before challenging message.

It is a good idea to educate co-workers, staff members, businesspeople etc. about individuals' communication styles and the challenges certain people face; for example, social communication anxiety or Selective Mutism (SM). Fear of speaking in certain situations in public makes someone too passive to be perceived as assertive. This education empowers people to understand and accept a person's behaviour especially regarding what should be mutually respected. Based on everyone's training, a positive company culture, where everyone can shine and gain their full potential, can be established. This leads to more efficient and more inclusive workplaces and is a win-win for employers as well as employees.

First, ensure your assertiveness isn't being perceived as aggressive or dominating by adjusting your tone and delivery if necessary. Seek feedback from your colleagues or supervisors to understand how they perceive your communication style and what improvements could be made. If there are instances where your assertiveness isn't respected, address them directly and professionally with the individuals involved. And if the problem continues, don't hesitate to seek support from HR or a mentor both inside and outside the organization for guidance on how to handle the situation.

Q: What do you do if your assertive communication style is not being respected in a strategy role? A: Change your strategy and style of communication. "Read the room"