You're in a consulting role and need to be more assertive. What are some tips for success?

1 Know your worth

One of the first steps to being assertive is to recognize your own worth as a consultant. You have the skills, knowledge, and experience to provide solutions and insights to your clients. You are not there to please them or to agree with everything they say. You are there to challenge them, to offer different perspectives, and to deliver results. Remind yourself of your value proposition and your unique selling points. Don't be afraid to highlight your achievements and successes.

2 Set clear goals and expectations

Another way to be assertive is to set clear goals and expectations for yourself and your clients. Before you start a project, make sure you have a clear scope, timeline, budget, and deliverables. Communicate these to your clients and stakeholders in a concise and confident way. Explain the rationale behind your approach and the benefits they will get from working with you. If there are any changes or issues, update them as soon as possible and negotiate a mutually acceptable solution.

3 Use assertive language and body language

The way you speak and present yourself can also affect how assertive you are perceived. Use assertive language and body language to convey your confidence and professionalism. Avoid using words that weaken your message, such as "maybe", "sorry", "just", or "I think". Instead, use words that express your certainty, such as "I know", "I recommend", "I suggest", or "I propose". Use a firm and calm tone of voice, and avoid raising your pitch or volume. Maintain eye contact, smile, and use open gestures. Don't fidget, cross your arms, or look away.

4 Listen actively and respectfully

Being assertive does not mean ignoring or dismissing the opinions or feedback of others. It means listening actively and respectfully to what they have to say, and acknowledging their points of view. Ask open-ended questions, paraphrase what they say, and show interest and curiosity. Don't interrupt, argue, or criticize them. Instead, try to understand their needs, concerns, and motivations. Then, respond with your own perspective, evidence, and arguments. Seek to find common ground and build rapport.

5 Practice and get feedback

Like any skill, assertiveness can be improved with practice and feedback. Look for opportunities to practice being assertive in different situations, such as meetings, presentations, negotiations, or feedback sessions. Observe how others react to your assertiveness, and how you feel about it. Ask for feedback from your colleagues, mentors, or coaches on how you can improve your assertiveness. Learn from your mistakes and successes, and celebrate your progress.

6 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?