Here's how you can assert yourself in a partnership without being aggressive.

How can we ensure our message is not only heard but also respected? It starts with setting a tone that invites open dialogue rather than confrontation. Use language that connects rather than divides, focusing on shared goals rather than personal wins

To establish a successful partnership, it is important to realise that it has to be a win-win situation where at the end of it, both organisations feel they have gained from it. The foundational element is clear communication and expectation setting. Starting with a two-way dialogue to understand the objectives, organisational priorities, and outcomes expected from the partnership is key.

Throughout life, most of us experience partnerships with family, friends and colleagues. There is no one recipe for every successful relationship. However, by measuring in the essential ingredients of respect, tolerance, benevolence, flexibility and above all kindness, one is more likely to successfully assert themselves in most every alliance.

Use "I" statements to express your feelings without sounding accusatory, like saying "I feel concerned when deadlines are missed." Maintain a calm tone and be direct about your expectations. Practice active listening and focus on the issue, not the person. Use positive language and clearly define your boundaries. Encourage collaborative problem-solving and be mindful of non-verbal cues, ensuring openness. Consistency reinforces assertiveness, and empathy towards your partner’s feelings fosters support. Take breaks if conversations get too heated.

Building confidence is the key to successful partnerships: this will facilitate positive and assertive communication. And how can you build this confidence? Work on clear common objectives, confirm combined skills and capabilities for a win-win relationship, and agree on regular monitoring of progress and adjustments.

Emotional intelligence is critical in partnerships as it allows you to manage your own emotions and understand those of your partners. This skill fosters empathy and composure, preventing impulsive reactions. By being aware of your emotional state, you can communicate assertively without being confrontational, which is essential for maintaining a positive and productive dynamic in any collaborative relationship. This approach not only strengthens the partnership but also enhances mutual respect and understanding.

In my experience, another way that you can assert yourself in a partnership without being aggressive is to demonstrate your emotional intelligence. Note your ability to recognize your emotions as well as express a clear understanding of others is paramount. In the case of partnerships, this skill will ensure that you are able to read the situation and respond accordingly which in many cases will be to act with empathy. If you're aware, then you're least likely to create a situation that might be perceived as combative or confrontational, which is the key to maintaining a positive relationship and environment.

Emotional intelligence is a key ingredient for successful partnerships. By cultivating self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation, individuals and organizations can create strong, resilient partnerships that withstand the test of time. Emphasizing the role of emotional intelligence in partnerships can enhance current collaborations and pave the way for future opportunities.

Emotional intelligence isn’t just about keeping cool..it's about truly understanding the feelings at play. This understanding allows us to react not just to the surface tensions but to address deeper concerns, and this could turn challenging discussions into constructive ones.

Il peut également être opportun de temporiser le dialogue lorsqu'on ne sent pas capable de réfréner son agacement, sa vision négative de la situation,... Il est parfois difficile pour diverses raisons de prendre sur soi. Savoir reconna?tre cette tension et demander à l'autre de reparler plus tard du sujet épineux est souvent plus sage

Establish and communicate clear boundaries to maintain mutual respect. Clearly define what is acceptable and what is not in your partnership. Respecting each other's boundaries promotes a healthy, balanced relationship where both parties feel valued and understood.

Setting boundaries is essential to maintain a healthy partnership. It involves defining roles, responsibilities, and expectations. It’s about respecting each other’s time, resources, and contributions, and ensuring a balanced relationship.

Long-term partnerships as they go deeper are generally evolving. In this journey, it is vital to build a good understanding of the partner's requirements and expectations and clearly communicate the outcomes you aim to achieve as well. Ideally, for every partnership, there should be clear operational and functional boundaries set with defined SOPs and ways of working to ensure a healthy working environment.

Sometimes people expect from you more than what you can deliver. That is normal human behaviour and that should not derail you. At the same time, it is important for you to communicate and put on the table your non-negotiable. Let them know politely hat what they are asking for, can not be done or you do not have the power or influence to get it done. Additionally, sometimes, letting them know that you will keep an eye out for someone else who can give them what they are looking for goes a long way. That brings or enhances trust on the table with your partner.

Dans le cadre d'une négociation, il est préférable d'avoir anticipé les concessions que l'on est prêt à faire et celles qui ne sont pas absolument pas entendables. Une bonne préparation avant un entretien est essentielle et permet de ne pas être pris au dépourvu.

Le choix des mots est important en toute situation. Il est primordial d'utiliser un langage positif afin de mettre son interlocuteur dans la même dynamique.

Exercite a positividade, do objetivo mais simples ao mais complexo é preciso primeiro acreditar, buscar o caminho e saber desviar quando for preciso mas tendo em mente que o passo está dado, ent?o é preciso somente mais um passo. A positividade vem também quando paramos de nos comparar com o outro e passamos a olhar para nos mesmos, a vida fica mais leve quando passamos a nos comparar com nós mesmos, olhando para ontem e vendo que estamos mais completos do que ontem e no caminho do amanh?.

Use positive language to frame your assertions. Instead of focusing on what you don't want, highlight what you do want. For instance, say, "I would appreciate it if..." rather than "You never..." Positive language helps maintain a constructive dialogue and reduces the likelihood of conflict.

Positive language fosters a constructive and encouraging environment. It’s about focusing on solutions rather than problems, acknowledging efforts, and celebrating successes. It helps in building trust, boosting morale, and promoting a culture of positivity.

Positive tone and language reflects intent.Choice of right words, both spoken and written, and to communicate them in the way that motivates and inspires action can turnaround any difficult and challenging situation / conversation. It isn't about avoiding difficult topics but about using a language that reassures and gives alternatives.

Being ASSERTIVE in a partnership doesn't mean being AGGRESSIVE. It's about finding the balance where confidence meets respect. Building this confidence starts with clear communication, matching your partners' communication style and setting mutual goals. Remember, in some cultures assertiveness' could be interpreted as an aggressive language, so you must be aware of this nuance. Focus on collaboration rather than confrontation, create an environment where ideas are exchanged freely and both parties feel valued.

Build your confidence to assert yourself effectively. Prepare and practice what you want to say, anticipate potential responses, and rehearse your delivery. Confidence helps you present your views firmly and calmly, making it easier to be assertive without aggression.

Confidence building is about empowering each other to take on challenges, make decisions, and contribute effectively. It involves providing constructive feedback, recognizing achievements, and fostering an environment of mutual respect and trust.

La confiance en soi intime à autrui d'avoir confiance en vous. Une personne s?re d'elle donne confiance à son interlocuteur. Elle inspire sécurité et respect.

When thinking about confidence building the best way to do it is to develop a "Ownership Mentality" this means looking at the firm and stop thinking "this problem is someone else's" or "This initiative will be carried out by someone else" I once heard a partner say: If there is a crooked painting at the lobby is my responsibility to straighten it out and make sure it never gets out of it's position again" Another thing that will help with your confidence is understanding what tips the scale of power at your and become great at it, is it business development, client relations, management ( normally business development has a huge weight) once you demonstrate you are great at it the partners will acknowledge it building your confidence.

Exercise patience in your interactions. Give your partner time to process your perspective and respond. Avoid interrupting or rushing the conversation. Patience demonstrates respect for their viewpoint and promotes a more thoughtful and productive exchange.

Patience is key in managing partnerships. It’s about understanding that progress takes time, and not all issues can be resolved immediately. It involves staying calm under pressure, showing understanding, and maintaining a long-term perspective.

I have always believed that going a step further to understand the partner organisation's vision via primary & secondary research and also having them engaged in collaborative activities beyond the discussed scope of activities goes a long way and gives you an edge. It shouldn't be limited to a one-time business dialogue but should focus on achieving a larger joint mission.

Consider building a muscle for being consistently radically candid. As Kim Scott says, radical candour is what happens when you show someone that you care personally while you challenge directly, without being aggressive or insincere.

Don't do "passive listening" but "active listening". Passive listening means judging other's opinion or just say things you want to say after listening to someone. Active listening means summarizing what other's said by saying "what I'm hearing is that..." so as to show understanding or "what I'm sensing is..." for showing connection with the others.