Here's how you can assert yourself in a team setting to reap the benefits.

Recognizing your self-worth is the cornerstone of assertiveness. Understand and embrace the unique skills and perspectives you bring to your team. By having confidence in your abilities, you can better champion your ideas and advocate for yourself. Remember, your contributions are valuable and essential to the team's success.

Actively participating in discussions is essential for developing assertiveness. If you tend to shy away, challenge yourself to speak up at least once in every meeting. Preparing your thoughts beforehand can boost your confidence. When you do contribute, be clear, concise, and ensure your point is understood. Remember, the goal isn't simply to increase the quantity of your contributions, but rather to ensure that each one adds value. Your contributions should reflect your expertise and dedication to achieving the team's objectives. By sharing your knowledge and insights, you not only strengthen your assertiveness but also contribute meaningfully to the team's success.

Aktives Zuh?ren ist mehr als eine Technik. Es geht um die Einstellung: ?Das, was du sagst, ist mir wichtig, weil du mir wichtig bist!“ Wenn wir das transportieren, wenn wir unsere Zeit dafür verwenden, den anderen wirklich zu verstehen, transportiert das eine unglaubliche Wertsch?tzung. Und: Zuh?ren hei?t, sich ver?ndern zu lassen! Nur wenn wir bereit sind, den Standpunkt und die Argumente des anderen auch auf uns wirken zu lassen, wenn wir bereit sind, uns der Sichtweise des anderen anzunehmen, ist das wirkliches Zuh?ren. Gleichzeitig sollte man bedenken: Zuh?ren und Zustimmen sind zwei v?llig unterschiedliche Dinge. ?Ja, das kann ich gut verstehen ... verstehen Sie bitte auch, dass ich da anderer Meinung bin.“

Pay close attention to what others say, and demonstrate your value for their input through thoughtful responses or clarifying questions. This shows respect for your colleagues' perspectives and better understand team dynamics. Active listening also provides insights to formulate your own contributions effectively. By understanding others' viewpoints, you build on their perspectives to enrich the discussion. Remember, effective communication is a two-way street, and strong listening skills are essential for building strong relationships and achieving shared goals. When you listen actively, you demonstrate your commitment to collaboration and open communication. This fosters a positive team environment where everyone feels heard and valued.

Your body language communicates powerfully even before you utter a word. Stand or sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and use gestures that exude confidence. Avoid crossing your arms or looking down, as these can signal uncertainty or disinterest. By projecting confidence through your body language, you'll feel more assertive, command the attention and respect of your team. Your posture and gestures contribute to the impression you make. A confident demeanor reinforces your words and strengthens your message. Practice mindful body language, and you find yourself naturally becoming more assertive in all your interactions. Your nonverbal cues will complement verbal communication, making you a more effective and influential communicator.

"Avoid crossing your arms." ... an old and often quoted statement, but it is still wrong! The number of crossed arms in a room correlates with the armrests of the chairs being at the right height to rest the arms comfortably. You cannot conclude anything from just one gesture; take the context into account. My credo: if you don't have a disability, you shouldn't steer your body language consciously, as this leads to a lack of authenticity. E.g. when nervous, concentrate on content and emotional regulation (deep breathing + consciously relaxing). If you have a disability and need to control your body consciously, there is no need to feel ashamed. Dare to be yourself; that's much more likable than trying to force yourself to look normal!