Professional Communication: Assertive Responses and Feedback Analysis

This essay delves into the application of assertive communication strategies for effectively responding to criticism in a professional setting, particularly focusing on a scenario involving differing opinions on an employee engagement program. It emphasizes understanding the root cause of criticism, seeking collaborative improvements, and acknowledging concerns before responding. Furthermore, the essay advocates for the incorporation of corrective feedback techniques, such as the 'Feedback Sandwich' method, to foster healthy working relationships and improve decision-making. The goal is to promote positive interaction, equal consideration of ideas, and conflict resolution, ultimately enhancing employee engagement at Western Sydney University. The document is available on Desklib, a platform offering study tools and resources for students.

Running head: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND COMMUNICATION
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND COMMUNICATION
Name of Student
Name of University
Author note

1PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND COMMUNICATION
Strategies to be adopted to respond assertively to Chris
Analyzing the employee engagement is crucial for ensuring better productivity. Such
important information should be well-organized and well-managed. Chris and I are entitled to
analyze the progress employee engagement program as per the survey and making the necessary
improvements. In order to respond assertively to Chris’s criticism the following strategies can be
adopted:
 In case of a situation of criticism, it is essential to understand the root cause of the
criticism. It would be helpful to some extent if Chris is asked to state reasons for not
agreeing with the decision. In the process, this would help me to understand the likes and
dislikes of Chris regarding the employee engagement survey. This, in turn, would reduce
the chances of conflict in the future.
 In instances where I strongly agree with my decision and ideas, I would try to convince
Chris with the decision and also let him suggest some improvements related to the
project. In the process, Chris might come up with better decisions related to the project.
 The third strategy that could be undertaken for dealing with Chris is to not respond
anything immediately to Chris. In other words, taking time to acknowledge Chris's
criticism would enable me to understand his reason for disapproval much effectively
(Wallensteen, 2015).
 There might be a different perspective of Chris for not agreeing with my suggestion.
Understanding the motive behind Chris’s disagreement would help me to cope up with
the conflicting situation (Fisher, 2016).

2PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND COMMUNICATION
Feedback technique to be incorporated
Corrective feedback technique should be adopted considering the situation. In every work
culture, it is essential to build a healthy relationship with the colleagues as this could surely
improve the quality of decisions. Considering the aspect of my negotiation with Chris, it is
necessary that both of us should handle the feedbacks in an assertive manner as this would
provide a scope of improvement for both of us (Mackey, 2013). If the feedback of Chris is taken
positively it could give me a scope for improvement also it is essential that Chris takes my
suggestion positively. Corrective feedback will provide both of us with an equal opportunity to
rectify our mistakes and manage the interaction process. Healthy interaction will surely help us
in delivering the best results for employee engagement of the Western Sydney University.
The other technique that can be used with respect to this situation is the ‘Feedback Sandwich'. In
this technique, at first, we can discuss the positive points from both of our suggestions and then
we both can provide our feedback regarding various improvements that can be brought in the
plan (Parkes, Abercrombie and McCarty, 2013). In the end, this will result in a positive
interaction from both of our end. In this approach of feedback technique, both of our suggestions
would get equal importance thus reducing the chances of conflict. This could possibly resolve
the situation of conflict between us also in the process it might help me to establish a cordial
working relationship with Chris.

3PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND COMMUNICATION
References
Fisher, R.J., 2016. Third party consultation: A method for the study and resolution of conflict.
In Ronald J. Fisher: A North American Pioneer in Interactive Conflict Resolution (pp. 37-71).
Springer, Cham.
Mackey, A., 2013. Input, Interaction and Corrective Feedback in L2 Learning-Oxford Applied
Linguistics. Oxford University Press.
Parkes, J., Abercrombie, S. and McCarty, T., 2013. Feedback sandwiches affect perceptions but
not performance. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 18(3), pp.397-407.
Wallensteen, P., 2015. Understanding conflict resolution. Sage.