Let\u2019s tackle the issue and pave the way for effective communication<\/a> in your team!<\/p>\n\n\n Passive communication is a communication style characterized by: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This style of communication is also known as the submissive communication style<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on their surroundings, passive communicators can also exhibit some other traits, like: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Passive communicators are also generally apologetic and find it difficult to take on responsibilities and make decisions for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to their non-verbal communication<\/a> traits, passive communicators often twist and fidget, speak softly, and avoid eye contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the more bothersome characteristics of passive communicators is that they: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some team members might find these characteristics difficult to tolerate, which may result not only in misunderstandings<\/a> but also conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf93 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a tough time finding an amicable solution to a problem in the workplace, you might want to check out the following guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n Improve collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n In interpersonal communication<\/a>, the main issues arise when the communication styles<\/a> of interlocutors are so different that they negatively impact their work-related interactions and the psychological climate at work<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are various divisions and classifications of communication styles in scientific literature. However, when it comes to understanding the effects of passive communication, the easiest model to apply is the model of 5 communication styles, created \u200b\u200bby psychologist Edmund J. Bourne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bourne recognizes 5 distinct types of communication styles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will focus on 3 of Bourne\u2019s types of communicators \u2014 the submissive (passive)<\/strong>, aggressive<\/strong>, and assertive<\/strong> types \u2014 and compare them against each other. These 3 styles represent the two extremes and one \u201cgolden mean\u201d style (which is most likely to arrive at win-win compromises).<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you’re probably already expecting, the most obvious problems arise when a passive communicator meets someone with an aggressive communication style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But before we see what that might look like, let\u2019s briefly explain the aggressive and assertive styles of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While passive communication includes putting the ideas and needs of others over your own, aggressive communicators are focused on \u201chaving it their way\u201d \u2014 no matter the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aggressive communication style is characterized by: <\/p>\n\n\n\n In regards to their behavior, aggressive communicators tend to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sounds impossible to handle, right? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, even though they are difficult to deal with, there are still ways to manage an aggressive communicator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, since aggressive communicators value their opinions above anyone else\u2019s, they\u2019ll often interrupt others. So, look out for interruptions and then aim to prevent them. Try using phrases like these: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m not finished yet.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u201cJust give me one more second, and you can continue after.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Besides this, you should also: <\/p>\n\n\n\n When we compare the profiles of passive and aggressive communicators, it\u2019s easy to imagine what their conversations might look like \u2014 a complete mess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a look at a conversation between Adeline, an aggressive communicator, and Nicole, a passive communicator, shown on Pumble, a team communication app<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n \n Improve collaboration and reduce misunderstandings with Pumble \u2014 the all-in-one communication app.<\/p>\n\n As a golden mean between aggressive and passive communicators, assertive communicators<\/strong> tend to emphasize and acknowledge the feelings of both sides in a conversation. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n They stand up for themselves and voice their opinions and needs while still carefully listening and respecting others. They hold all opinions in equal regard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Assertive communicators are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n They have good self-esteem and represent the healthiest style of communication both in the workplace and outside of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s see how Nicole from the previous example would have acted if she were an assertive communicator. <\/p>\n\n\n \ud83c\udf93 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To find out more about how to communicate assertively, check out our blog:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 2024 study titled Enhancing Work Performance: The Role of Communication and Leadership Styles<\/em><\/a> shows that the common denominator for most passive communicators is low self-esteem that stems from passive communicators not expressing their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apart from that, the main causes of passive communication include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on what you\u2019ve read so far, you might think that passive communication is universally bad and has no real benefits in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, when used strategically, the passive approach can benefit the entire team in certain situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to note that not all of the aforementioned traits of this communication style are present in every passive communicator. They are just a general overview of common communication patterns individually described as \u201cpassive\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of these passive traits can sometimes<\/em> be beneficial because they can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, a moderately passive communicator can positively impact the conversation with a specific set of communication skills<\/a>. A 2023 study on the correlation between communication styles and conflict resolution shows that passive communicators can help defuse conflict<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, their apologetic approach to communication can ease the tension in certain situations as can their avoidance of conflict. Here\u2019s an example of how a passive approach might help in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n \n Promote more effective communication with Pumble \u2014 the all-in-one communication app.<\/p>\n\n Passive communication comes in various forms, so you might not recognize it in every single situation. Let\u2019s take a look at some specific examples of passive communication in a work setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Indirect communication is one of the staple elements of the passive communication style. However, it\u2019s not often recognized as such because communicating indirectly is something we commonly associate with politeness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on one\u2019s culture, being polite and communicating indirectly may even be expected<\/strong>, which is the case in Japan, famous for its concepts of tatemae and honne<\/a> (tatemae <\/em>being the opinions and feelings a person shares publicly and honne <\/em>being the true opinions and feelings that are usually kept hidden).<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s more, people tend to express their ideas or opinions with euphemisms, metaphors, and similar linguistic devices, to avoid coming across as rude, offensive, or disrespectful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, sometimes you need to take a stand and directly communicate<\/a> what\u2019s on your mind. That\u2019s especially important in the workplace, where failing to do so can affect everyone around you, as evident in the example below. <\/p>\n\n\n \ud83c\udf93 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Indirect communication is sometimes expected in certain cultures, which can make cross-cultural communication quite difficult. To ensure your team communicates effectivelly no matter their culture, check out this article:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hedging involves using phrases that serve the purpose of distancing the person from the words they are saying<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply put, to hedge<\/em> your words means to overuse phrases such as \u201cperhaps\u201d, \u201csometimes\u201d, \u201cmaybe\u201d, \u201cpossibly\u201d, and similar, which are supposed to move the responsibility from you to another person or circumstance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although this might seem like a good strategy \u2014 as it seemingly absolves you of any guilt \u2014 it can backfire because it makes you seem unreliable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When push comes to shove, people need to be able to rely on their teammates to have their back. So, if you avoid taking a stance at all costs, tensions in your team become imminent, as shown in the Pumble<\/a> exchange below.<\/p>\n\n\n Evading is a frequent tactic of passive communicators because it allows them to avoid conflict. It\u2019s most evident during communication with an aggressive communicator, but it can rear its head during any conversation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Evading can be detrimental to team communication<\/a> and frustrating for the other person involved in the conversation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the example below, you can see that Nadia is trying to get feedback from a new colleague, Theo, hoping he\u2019ll offer a fresh perspective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, Theo is clearly not being completely honest about what he thinks of Nadia\u2019s work, because he doesn\u2019t want to be seen as a pushy know-it-all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this case, Theo is not only being unhelpful to Nadia, but also doing himself a disservice as his words drive Nadia to anger.<\/p>\n\n\n One of the biggest contributing factors to communication breakdown<\/a> in the workplace is the possibility of misunderstandings, which are an obstacle to effective communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s simple \u2014 teams that don\u2019t communicate well are poorly synchronized and thus perform worse<\/a> than a group of team players who communicate clearly and effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Pumble\u2019s Workplace Communication Statistics in 2025<\/em><\/a>, 43% of business leaders claim that poor communication decreases productivity<\/strong> and 38% of them report a noticeable financial impact of poor communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, as a manager, you need to ensure poor communication doesn\u2019t affect your team or your company\u2019s bottom line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, there is a way for you to bring all of the best traits of a passive communicator to the surface and help them overcome their obstacles, thus improving the communication process<\/a> for everyone involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s take a look at some examples of how this can be achieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Various communication situations<\/a> can reveal passive communicators in the workplace \u2014 but it\u2019s up to the manager to recognize and address this behavior to achieve effective communication in a team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A passive communication style may not be 100% wrong in and of itself, but it can negatively impact a team or its goals in some situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In most cases, passive communication is addressed only when it becomes a problem for a team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, a good manager<\/a> should be proactive and address a passive communicator\u2019s style immediately to help them: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few tips on how you can make that happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you’ve identified the passive communicator, you should try to include them in the conversation and create an opportunity for them to voice their opinions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re in a group brainstorming session, you can inspire a passive person to speak up by saying<\/strong> something like: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019d really like to hear everyone’s opinion on this.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid, there are no wrong opinions here, feel free to share your input.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u201cEven a small remark can be an important contribution, so please share your opinions.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Make sure to be positive and inviting<\/a> when reaching out to a passive communicator. Be persistent but don’t be pushy, and make sure to maintain an encouraging tone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another good way to positively influence a person with a submissive communication style is to ask open-ended questions<\/a>, in order to stimulate conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternatively, you can try to find a more appropriate communication channel<\/a>, so that it best suits your whole team and its dynamics. For example, a manager can revisit a discussion in a Pumble channel<\/a>, if they estimate that a passive communicator didn\u2019t feel comfortable contributing directly during face-to-face conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To further inspire passive communicators and make the situation easier for them, you can create a poll<\/a> to ask important questions.<\/p>\n\n\n \n Make your decision-making process simpler, more efficient, and interactive and get your work done faster with polls on Pumble \u2014 the all-in-one communication app.<\/p>\n\n One thing you should try to avoid when approaching a passive communicator is putting communication stress on them. This will most likely backfire and make them even more closed off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Putting pressure on a passive communicator includes<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n To improve team communication<\/a> and address a passive communicator\u2019s behavior, avoid placing them in situations where they feel cornered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though their social skills might need some work, passive communicators can still be a valuable addition to your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a manager, it is your job to create a psychologically safe space<\/a> for everyone. This doesn’t mean that a passive communicator receives special treatment, but rather that their communication style is taken into consideration, for the sake of overcoming communication barriers<\/a>, ultimately benefiting everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can confront a passive communicator with the negative effects of their communication style \u2014 it’s just important that you do it carefully to avoid triggering an anxious response. Here are a few tips on how to do that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Passive](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Passive-Communication-at-Work-and-How-to-Manage-It-cover.png\")
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What is passive communication?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Free team communication app<\/h2>\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/default@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nClashing styles of communication in the workplace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Communication](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Communication-styles-by-Bourne-1995-min.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAggressive communication style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Improve team communication<\/h2>\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/landing-3@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nAssertive communication style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"An](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Assertive-communication-min.png\")
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Causes of passive communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Are there any benefits to passive communication?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"A](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/A-useful-side-of-passive-communication-min.png\")
Collaborate more effectively<\/h2>\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/landing-2@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nPassive communication examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Example #1: Indirect communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Indirect-communication-min.png\")
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Example #2: Hedging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Hedging-min.png\")
Example #3: Evading<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Evading-min.png\")
The impact of passive communication on business and work environment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to spot and manage passive communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Tip #1: Include them in the discussion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Asking](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Creating-a-poll-in-Pumble-min.png\")
Simplify your brainstorming<\/h2>\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nTip #2: Avoid pressuring them<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tip #3: Create a safe space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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