You want to become a better environmental consultant. What assertiveness skills do you need to develop?

1 Know your value

One of the first steps to becoming more assertive is to recognize your value as an environmental consultant. You have the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide solutions that benefit your clients and the environment. You also have the right to be treated fairly and professionally. Knowing your value can help you set realistic and reasonable goals, fees, and deadlines. It can also help you avoid self-doubt, impostor syndrome, and overwork.

2 Use clear and direct language

Another key skill for assertiveness is to use clear and direct language when communicating with your clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. This means stating your opinions, needs, and boundaries in a concise and confident way, without being aggressive or passive. For example, instead of saying "I think maybe we should consider this option", you can say "I recommend this option because it has these benefits". Using clear and direct language can help you avoid misunderstandings, confusion, and conflicts.

3 Listen actively and empathetically

Assertiveness is not only about expressing yourself, but also about listening to others. Listening actively and empathetically means paying attention to what others are saying, showing interest and curiosity, and acknowledging their feelings and perspectives. This can help you build rapport, trust, and respect with your clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. It can also help you understand their needs, expectations, and feedback, and respond accordingly.

4 Say no when necessary

One of the most challenging but important skills for assertiveness is to say no when necessary. Saying no means declining requests, offers, or demands that are unreasonable, unrealistic, or detrimental to your work or well-being. Saying no can help you protect your time, energy, and resources, and focus on your priorities and goals. It can also help you avoid resentment, burnout, and stress. To say no effectively, you need to be polite but firm, explain your reasons, and offer alternatives if possible.

5 Give and receive feedback

As an environmental consultant, you need to give and receive feedback regularly. Feedback is essential for improving your work quality, performance, and relationships. To give feedback assertively, you need to be specific, constructive, and balanced. You need to focus on the facts, not the person, and provide suggestions for improvement. To receive feedback assertively, you need to be open-minded, respectful, and appreciative. You need to listen carefully, ask questions, and take action.

6 Negotiate confidently

The final skill for assertiveness is to negotiate confidently. Negotiation is a process of reaching an agreement that satisfies both parties. As an environmental consultant, you may need to negotiate with your clients, colleagues, or stakeholders on various aspects of your work, such as scope, budget, timeline, or deliverables. To negotiate confidently, you need to prepare well, know your worth, and be flexible. You need to communicate your interests, needs, and expectations clearly, and seek win-win solutions.

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?