Assertiveness in Aviation Maintenance

Assertiveness in Aviation Maintenance

• Assertiveness is expressing feelings, opinions, beliefs, and needs positively and productively. People can be passive or aggressive, often leaning more toward one extreme.
• A passive person avoids conflict and goes with the flow, sometimes feeling victimized.
• An aggressive person wants their own way and may disregard others' feelings.
• Assertiveness is a balance between passive and aggressive behaviors. It involves clear communication, eye contact, appropriate distance, and controlled body language to convey your message effectively and respectfully.
• Ideal eye contact is 1.5-3 feet. Too little eye contact is passive; too much is aggressive.
• Clear body language (appropriate posture, gestures, and facial expressions) reinforces the verbal message, helping others understand and accept it.
• Important to plan your approach to the conversation. Ensure you get the other person's attention and minimize interruptions so they can fully focus on your message.
• Stick to the issue and support your claims with facts. Avoid assumptions or letting your message turn off topic, use strong supporting data and be confident.
• State the consequences if the concern is not addressed.
• Recommend solutions to the problem effectively. This may make the other person more open to your concerns and solution.
• Be ready to listen. Invite a response and show willingness to understand their perspective.
• It’s okay to not always get your way. Learn from the interaction and future communications.
• Safety issues (stress, fatigue, and poor working conditions) require assertiveness to address concerns effectively to avoid compromises.

Question Answers

• Why is it important to look people in the eye when talking to them? Appropriate eye contact shows respect, engagement, and confidence. Too little eye contact can be perceived as passive or dishonest, too much can be perceived as aggressive or disrespectful.

• Why is body language important when talking to others? Body language (gestures, posture, and facial expressions) is an important component of communication. It can either strengthen or weaken your message.

• Why does passive or aggressive behavior compromise safety? Passive or aggressive behaviors can lead to the avoidance of speaking up about problems such as inadequate safety procedures, poor working conditions, or lacking resources. Addressing safety concerns assertively is critical in aviation.