The Dirty Dozen: When Silence Kills Safety
This article series sheds light on the 12 most common causes of human error, known as the Dirty Dozen (article 12 of 12).
Assertiveness is a term which describes the ability to communicate thoughts, concerns, or suggestions in a confident and respectful manner. People who are not assertive may suffer from lack of confidence or low self-esteem and may find it difficult to speak or express themselves clearly and confidently.
Lack of assertiveness is a problem because it may prevent the exchange of critical information and safety-related knowledge sharing between colleagues.
When people fail to express concerns, provide necessary input, or challenge unsafe decisions, it can significantly impact safety. In aviation, lack of assertiveness can result in miscommunication, hesitation, or even silence when action is required in the name of safety.
Read more: Diving into the Dirty Dozen: Limit the Impact and Improve Safety
Failing to Speak Up Can Cost Lives
When people stay silent instead of speaking up, it may jeopardise safety and in worst cases cost lives.
Lack of assertiveness is dangerous because people may:
- Fail to challenge unsafe or unsanctioned decisions – especially if that decision comes from colleagues of a higher rank.
- Avoid sharing critical information and refrain from speaking up about potential hazards and misunderstandings.
- Fall victim to poor teamwork, unresolved issues, unclear expectation, and dishonest communication.
- Allow unilateral decision-making and refrain from voicing their insights, leading to poor judgements and unsafe decisions.
Read more: Human Factors in Aviation: The Crucial Role of Training
Every Voice Matters
Essentially, assertiveness enables pilots, crew members, and maintenance staff to work together effectively, communicate clearly, and act decisively under pressure and with safety in mind.
But assertiveness is not necessarily an intrinsic character trait. It is a skill which can be learned and enhanced. The first step is to create a workplace atmosphere where people can safely and comfortably voice their feelings and express their concerns.
Every voice matters when it comes to safety.
Assertiveness is not about aggression, though. But you may exhibit an aggressive attitude which induces lack of assertiveness in others. Therefore, it is important that you consider your effect on other people.
There are a number of strategies which organisations can apply to instil assertiveness in employees. One of the things is to prioritise engaging, scenario-based training, role-playing, and feedback loops in which people develop confidence and learns techniques to communicate and make decisions effectively, even in high-pressure environments.
How To Appear More Assertive
Organisations can help create an open and honest atmosphere where assertiveness is encouraged. But you can also do something yourself to overcome the barriers that lack of assertiveness induces:
- Be direct without being rude. Say what you mean as clearly as possible.
- Say “NO” if you are uncomfortable doing something rather than being too subtle or vague in your refusal.
- Display calmness and persistency – repeat your opinion in a non-confrontational manner.
- Use “I” when speaking up, and try to link your opinion to emotions and reason, for example “I think” or “I feel”.
- Be appreciative of other people’s input and apologise when appropriate. Being assertive does not mean that you are always right.
Read more: The Human Factor: Why Humans Make Mistakes
