Another important step to assert yourself is to communicate clearly and confidently with others. This means expressing your ideas, opinions, or decisions in a concise, respectful, and logical way. It also means listening to others and acknowledging their perspectives, even if you disagree with them. When communicating as a database engineer, you may have to use technical terms, acronyms, or code snippets to explain your work. In that case, make sure to use the
tag to highlight your code and define any terms or acronyms that may not be familiar to your audience. You can also use examples, diagrams, or charts to illustrate your points and make them easier to understand.
###### Set boundaries
A third step to assert yourself is to set boundaries and protect your time, energy, and resources. This means saying no to unreasonable requests, demands, or expectations that may interfere with your priorities, goals, or deadlines. It also means avoiding distractions, interruptions, or conflicts that may affect your focus, productivity, or quality of work. When setting boundaries as a database engineer, you may have to negotiate with others on the scope, timeline, or budget of your projects. In that case, make sure to justify your decisions with facts, data, or evidence and offer alternatives or solutions that can benefit both parties.
###### Seek feedback
A fourth step to assert yourself is to seek feedback and learn from it. This means asking for constructive criticism, suggestions, or compliments from your managers, peers, or clients on your work. It also means accepting feedback graciously and using it to improve your skills, knowledge, or performance. When seeking feedback as a database engineer, you may have to demonstrate your work to others and explain how it meets the requirements, specifications, or expectations. In that case, make sure to ask specific questions that can elicit useful feedback and show your willingness to learn and grow.
###### Build relationships
A fifth step to assert yourself is to build relationships and trust with others. This means establishing rapport, respect, and cooperation with your colleagues, managers, or clients. It also means supporting, acknowledging, and appreciating others for their work and contributions. When building relationships as a database engineer, you may have to work in teams, share information, or coordinate tasks with others. In that case, make sure to communicate regularly, clearly, and respectfully and show your interest, curiosity, and enthusiasm for the project and the people involved.
###### Be assertive, not aggressive
A sixth and final step to assert yourself is to be assertive, not aggressive. This means standing up for yourself, your rights, and your needs in a calm, confident, and respectful way. It also means respecting the rights and needs of others and finding a balance between them. When being assertive as a database engineer, you may have to deal with challenging situations, such as conflicts, disagreements, or misunderstandings. In that case, make sure to avoid blaming, attacking, or insulting others and instead focus on the facts, the problem, and the solution.
######Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?