Here's how you can navigate misconceptions about assertiveness and confidence in the workplace.

Being assertive is not a balance between passive and aggressive. It's neither. Perhaps if you put them on a continuum, you could support the assertion that's a balance because it would be just as far from passivity as it would be from aggressiveness. No, I've not addressed being assertive and how that means being confident and having the strength to advocate for something. I'm just addressing the silliness of some of these "expert" insights articles.

The art of expressing your thoughts & needs clearly while respecting others comes under assertiveness. It's a delicate balance between passivity & aggression. When you're assertive, you advocate for yourself while acknowledging the rights and opinions of others. It's not about winning but about effective communication. By being assertive, you foster an environment of open dialogue & mutual respect, where everyone feels valued and heard.

In my experience , confidence is not about how clever we are but it is about how clear we are. It is being confident enough to ask the questions and don’t shy away from asking questions. The more I assume then the more it’s an issue. I believe as leaders if you are confident enough to question then some traits will be passed to your teams.

Confidence isn't about knowing everything but trusting your ability to overcome challenges. Even the most confident individuals experience doubt, but they refuse to let it hinder them. Instead, they ask questions, seek help, and remain open to learning. True confidence isn't about overshadowing others; it's about being secure in your role & contributions to the team. It's about striking the balance between self-assurance & humility, recognizing your strengths while staying open to growth.

Effective workplace communication hinges on how we express assertiveness & confidence. Tone, body language, and context shape perceptions, impacting professional relationships. Clear, mindful communication is key to aligning intentions with others' perceptions. Strive for clarity, receptiveness, and genuine connection to foster understanding & stronger professional relationships.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is pivotal for mastering assertiveness & confidence in professional settings. It empowers us to grasp & regulate both our own & others' emotions, enhancing communication effectiveness. Elevating your EQ enables adept handling of tough conversations, empathetic leadership, and fostering robust workplace bonds. With heightened self-awareness, you can exude assertiveness and confidence while sidestepping insensitivity or arrogance. It's a potent asset for advancing professionally & fostering harmonious teamwork.

Credibility hinges on consistent, reliable actions, bolstered by trust built among colleagues. Assertiveness & confidence underscore capability & dependability. It's vital to refrain from overpromising, overstepping boundaries, or misrepresenting abilities. Focus on quality work, accountability, and integrity to reinforce credibility. This approach not only enhances credibility but also underscores the importance of assertiveness & confidence in professional interactions.

This is a tricky one. You will never be able to completely control others' perceptions of you. Many people are scared of confidence and self-assurance, and therefore misconstrue these traits for arrogance or something negative. What you can control, is your ability to adapt your tone (when needed), to actively listen, to receive feedback (and accept what you believe is accurate) and to be intentional with how you show up.