You’re in a CRM position and need to be more assertive. What are some ways to do it?

1 Identify your rights and values

The first step to being more assertive is to recognize your rights and values as a CRM professional. You have the right to be treated with respect, to voice your concerns, to ask for what you need, and to disagree without being rude or defensive. You also have the right to say no to unreasonable requests, to ask for clarification, and to seek feedback. Your values are the principles that guide your actions and decisions, such as honesty, integrity, quality, and customer satisfaction. Knowing your rights and values can help you assert yourself with confidence and conviction.

2 Use assertive language and body language

The second step to being more assertive is to use assertive language and body language. Assertive language is direct, specific, and positive. It avoids blaming, accusing, or judging others, and instead focuses on facts, feelings, and solutions. For example, instead of saying "You never listen to me", you can say "I feel frustrated when you interrupt me". Assertive language also uses "I" statements, such as "I need", "I think", or "I prefer", rather than "You should", "You must", or "You have to". Assertive body language is open, relaxed, and confident. It includes making eye contact, smiling, nodding, and using gestures. It avoids crossing your arms, frowning, or looking away.

3 Listen actively and empathetically

The third step to being more assertive is to listen actively and empathetically. Listening is a key skill for CRM professionals, as it shows that you care about your clients, colleagues, and managers, and that you value their perspectives and feedback. Listening also helps you understand their needs, expectations, and concerns, and to respond accordingly. Active listening involves paying attention, asking questions, paraphrasing, and summarizing what you hear. Empathetic listening involves showing compassion, respect, and support for the other person's feelings and emotions.

4 Manage your emotions and stress

The fourth step to being more assertive is to manage your emotions and stress. Emotions and stress can affect your ability to be assertive, as they can make you react impulsively, defensively, or aggressively. To manage your emotions and stress, you need to be aware of what triggers them, and how they affect your thoughts and behaviors. You also need to practice self-care, such as breathing, relaxing, meditating, or exercising. Moreover, you need to express your emotions in a healthy and constructive way, such as by talking to someone you trust, writing in a journal, or seeking professional help.

5 Practice and seek feedback

The fifth step to being more assertive is to practice and seek feedback. Assertiveness is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice and feedback. You can practice by setting small and realistic goals, such as saying no to a minor request, asking for a favor, or giving a suggestion. You can also practice by role-playing, rehearsing, or scripting your assertive responses in advance. You can seek feedback by asking your clients, colleagues, or managers how they perceive your assertiveness, and what you can do to improve it. You can also ask for feedback from a mentor, coach, or trainer who can guide you and support you.

6 Respect yourself and others

The sixth and final step to being more assertive is to respect yourself and others. Respect means acknowledging and appreciating the worth, dignity, and diversity of yourself and others. It also means accepting and honoring the differences, opinions, and preferences of yourself and others. Respect is the foundation of assertiveness, as it enables you to communicate in a way that is honest, fair, and constructive. Respect also helps you to build positive and productive relationships with your clients, colleagues, and managers, and to achieve your CRM goals.

7 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?