Assertive Communication & Boundary Setting
Academic environments thrive on the exchange of ideas through collaboration — yet the way we communicate profoundly shapes collegial relationships. From daily interactions and departmental dynamics to supervision, workload expectations, and difficult conversations, healthy communication — including the ability to set clear, professional boundaries — is an essential skill.
In this seminar, we will explore how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and respect — even in high-pressure situations. We will examine assertive communication and how it can meet passive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive communication styles in academic culture. We will discuss practical strategies for fostering healthy communication within research teams, navigating challenging moments that could escalate into conflict, and recognizing when a boundary is needed — along with how to set one constructively. This seminar offers actionable tools to strengthen professional relationships, negotiate workload demands, and contribute to a more respectful and collaborative academic environment.
Talk by: Linda Kvastad & Dániel Tihanyi
Tip: We warmly recommend our Healthy Communication, Boundary Setting and Processing Emotion pages!