What do you do if your assertiveness is being undermined in the fundraising industry?

Recognizing signs of undermined assertiveness is crucial. You might observe patterns such as being consistently interrupted or talked over, having your ideas dismissed without consideration, or feeling excluded from decision-making processes. Pay attention to non-verbal cues like dismissive body language or lack of eye contact during discussions. Recognizing these signs empowers you to address assertiveness challenges effectively and assert your presence in the fundraising industry.

Basically, it's when your contributions get downplayed or ignored. Here's how to spot the sneaky signs: The "Disappearing Act": You share a fantastic idea, then poof! Suddenly, it reappears from someone else's lips and gets all the praise. The "Credit Grab": You hear your well-crafted proposal rephrased and presented as someone else's work. Talk about an identity theft! The "Minimization Maestro": Your ideas get a lukewarm response, dismissed as unimportant or insignificant. Ouch! Feeling that familiar tingle? Trust your gut! Recognizing these signs is the first step to addressing them head-on.

Setting boundaries is crucial when faced with assertiveness challenges in fundraising. Start by defining your limits and what behaviors are acceptable or not in professional interactions. Use assertive communication to clearly express these boundaries without being passive or aggressive. Consistently enforce your boundaries across different situations and individuals to establish credibility and respect. If someone crosses your boundaries, address it promptly and firmly, explaining why the behavior is unacceptable and requesting respectful communication. Establish consequences for boundary violations and seek support from mentors or colleagues if needed. Prioritize self-care to maintain your assertiveness and well-being.

focus on enhancing communication skills, including assertive communication techniques, active listening, and effective negotiation. Practice articulating needs, boundaries, and objectives clearly and confidently, while also actively seeking to understand and address the concerns and perspectives of others. Additionally, invest in professional development opportunities, such as workshops or courses on assertiveness training, conflict resolution, and relationship-building. Seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, or supervisors to identify areas for improvement and refine assertiveness skills over time.

If you find that your assertiveness is being undermined in the fundraising industry, here are some steps you can take: 1- Enhance your assertiveness skills through training programs. 2- Practice active listening, clear and concise communication, and the ability to express your needs and boundaries respectfully. 3- Consider whether you may come across as overly aggressive. 4- Reach out to trusted colleagues, supervisors, or mentors within the fundraising industry for feedback on your assertiveness. 5- Seek Support from Management. 6-If the undermining of your assertiveness becomes pervasive and affects your professional growth or well-being, it may be worth considering alternative opportunities.

Staying Confident in an ever-changing world can be a challenge. It’s important to remember who you are as a fundraiser and that you have the skills that you need to get the job done. To maintain confidence, it’s important to take care of yourself outside of the role and engage in work-life balance, so when your fundraising, you can be on top of it. You got this!