If you wish to set yourself up for success in your career, then it is vital that you know how to be more assertive in your day-to-day work. Assertiveness is an important competency that is looked upon highly in the business world, particularly if you want to be earmarked for executive jobs. Regrettably, most people are either content to just do what they’re expected to do, or they become overly aggressive and end up alienating their colleagues.
Thankfully, you can ascend the corporate ladder without needing to be aggressive and risking key connections at work. Here are several tips to enhance your assertiveness at the office:
Voice Your Ideas With Assurance
Effective communication is crucial on the job, and to be a solid communicator you have to convey your thoughts with confidence. Your views are valuable, since of course isn’t that the reasoning behind why your company employed you? Any time you don't communicate your views, other people lose out on good ideas and over time, everyone in your company loses out. So don’t hesitate to chip in with your ideas, especially during crucial meetings.
Recognize Where You Should Set The Limits
At the office, it is crucial that you learn where you should draw the line. If you don't, certain co-workers may take advantage of the situation by passing off their job responsibilities to you and still get acknowledgment for the task. Whenever such a predicament arises, it is necessary to refuse plainly but pleasantly. Naturally, that does not mean that you don’t assist your colleagues when they are in genuine need, you just have to be mindful that you aren't undertaking somebody else's task for them.
Work Towards A Win-Win
In any workplace, differences of opinion are guaranteed to arise. Believe it or not, it can be a good thing in the event that it helps bring about healthy dialogue regarding what is helpful to the company. The secret to dealing with disagreements successfully is to strive for a win-win resolution. Any time you experience a difference in opinions, spend some time considering what the other party wants and how you can assist them to reach that goal while still achieving your goals. That pretty much sums up assertiveness in the workplace.
When you are more assertive at the office, you won't just enjoy the benefits, your entire company enjoys the benefits as well. Therefore don't be afraid of sharing your views and setting healthy limits on the job, because assertiveness will help you to grow solid relationships and help you advance through the ranks quickly.
