Last week, I explored how organisations can foster psychological safety—and why assertive communication is a vital part of that. Since then, several people have reached out to say: “I want to speak up, but I’m exhausted,” or “I don’t feel safe enough to be assertive.” These are real, valid experiences. So this week, let’s talk about what gets in the way—and how we can reclaim the energy and courage to communicate clearly, even in tough environments.
Energy First: Assertiveness Requires Fuel
Assertive communication isn’t just a skill—it’s an energetic investment. When we’re depleted, it’s easier to default to silence, avoidance, or passive compliance. To build the energy for assertiveness, we need:
Micro-restoration moments: A few deep breaths before a meeting, a walk around the block, or a quiet lunch break can reset our nervous system.
Boundaries that protect recovery: Saying “no” to one more task today might be the “yes” your body needs to recharge.
Peer support: A quick debrief with a trusted colleague can restore clarity and confidence.
Safety Isn’t Just Personal—It’s Organisational
Even with energy, assertiveness falters if the environment feels unsafe. Organisations can support this by:
Normalising feedback: When leaders invite honest input and respond with curiosity—not defensiveness—teams feel safer to speak.
Visible modelling: When senior staff use assertive language respectfully (“I’d like to challenge that idea…”), it sets a tone others can follow.
Clear escalation pathways: Knowing where and how to raise concerns reduces the emotional toll of doing so.
A Real Example
In one team I worked with, a nurse shared that she felt too drained to speak up about unsafe staffing and patient care. We took some time together after the workshop to get her practicing on clear and direct statement that raised her concerns. This helped the nurse realise that it was not as hard as she had ruminated on in her mind. When she returned to work, she began using short, clear statements like: “I’m concerned this ratio isn’t safe—can we review it?” Her manager responded with openness, and the team began weekly check-ins to flag risks early. It wasn’t perfect—but it was progress, and it started with one assertive sentence.
Assertiveness isn’t about being loud—it’s about being clear, even when it’s hard. And it’s not just on individuals to carry that weight. When organisations create space for recovery and safety, assertive voices can rise—and be heard.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
What helps you find the energy to speak up?
