Assertive Safety Leadership Style (BBS Leadership Tools)
Being “Assertive” may not be an ordinary style of Thais. In the land of smile, Thai supervisors, managers, mostly avoid to say something when they see their subordinates are doing thing wrongly. Avoid to remind workers to wear the PPE. Avoid to remind the contractors to walk in the walkway. Keep quiet although someone cut in the line.
On the other hands, any manager or supervisor who do the other way. Reminding workers to wear the PPE correctly. Stopping the contractors not to shortcut the walk way. Telling the one who cut in the line to go back. Thais perceive it as being rude, aggressive or not a nice guy.
Most of the safety personnel use the aggressive approach to deal with unsafe acts and being hated by workers, supervisors, or even their bosses.
Assertiveness is a very important communication skill, especially where health and safety at work is involved.
Many people think that being assertive means being rude, loud and aggressive. This is not true. Being
assertive is about ‘making sure your voice is heard’, not about ‘getting your own way’. It will enable you to
clearly and persuasively explain why you feel something should be done.