You’re not assertive enough at work. What are some ways to improve?

1. Confidence starts from within, but it's also projected outwards. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and use open gestures. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. 2.Saying no doesn't make you difficult, it shows you value your time and workload. Offer an alternative solution if possible, demonstrating your willingness to help while setting boundaries. 3. Contribute your ideas when relevant, even if it's just to ask clarifying questions. 4.Feedback is crucial for growth. When receiving feedback, listen actively and ask clarifying questions. 5. Knowledge builds confidence. Be prepared, as more prepared you are, the more comfortable and assertive you'll feel. 6.Celebrate Your Wins. Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small.

Improving assertiveness at work is a valuable skill that helps us communicate effectively, advocate for yourself, and achieve our goals. Firstly, need to understand of style by reflecting on how we currently communicate in various situations. Do we tend to avoid conflict? Are we overly accommodating? Understanding our default communication style can help us pinpoint areas for improvement.

We all have our own meaning of "assertiveness". For example as per Cambridge dictionary "...assertiveness mean ..the quality of being confident and not frightened to say what you want...." The basis of expressing or saying is nothing but "communication". The act of communicating involves, words, expression, sound, body language, etc. Most people limit the communication to this only. What about holding back and not saying anything? Choosing not to speak "with confidence" and content with it. Either choosing to speak or remain silent with confidence is true "assertiveness".

To boost assertiveness at work, start by practicing clear communication. For instance, when discussing ideas or expressing concerns, use confident language and maintain eye contact. Additionally, set boundaries and learn to say no when necessary, prioritizing tasks effectively. Role-playing scenarios can help build assertiveness skills in challenging situations, such as negotiations or conflict resolution. Seeking feedback from colleagues or attending assertiveness training workshops can provide valuable insights and strategies for improvement. Remember, assertiveness grows with consistent practice and self-awareness.

I practice clear and concise communication, ensuring my ideas and concerns are expressed respectfully and confidently. Setting boundaries and expressing my needs positively contributes to a more assertive presence. Participating in workshops or training on assertiveness and seeking feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors also help refine this skill.

"The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes." - Tony Blair. Learning to say no is vital for those striving to be more assertive, especially when trying to please, avoid conflict, or fit in. Saying yes to everything can lead to stress, resentment, and burnout. Practice saying no when requests don't align with your priorities, values, or boundaries. Be polite yet firm, and use "I" statements focusing on your needs. Offer alternatives or negotiate compromises when possible. Remember, you don't need to apologize or justify your decision unless necessary. Most importantly, don't feel guilty for saying no; you have the right to your boundaries without being responsible for others' reactions.

Embrace "No" with Grace: -A New Best Friend: Treat "no" like your new best friend. It's not about declining every request but choosing what aligns with your priorities. -Practice Makes Perfect: Start small. Say no to something minor and work your way up. It's like muscle training but for your assertiveness. -Polite but Firm: Master the art of saying no without sounding like you're apologizing. Think of it as refusing extra sprinkles on your ice cream—nice but unnecessary.

It's important to understand what to prioritise. Say yes to one thing is saying so to everything else. Track your road map and start walk on your path

Personally, I respect people who can say NO when asked to take on a new project or responsibility that falls outside of their current bandwidth or priorities. I much prefer this response so that I can find the next person who can take it on instead of having it done by someone who will likely resent being chosen or doesn't have the capability to do it.

Set Realistic Goals Start with small and manageable goals to improve your assertiveness. For instance, you might aim to express your opinion at least once in every meeting or ask for something you need for a project. As you become more comfortable with these actions, you can gradually increase your goals to bigger challenges.

Work on building our self-confidence through self-care, positive self-talk, posture, gestures, eye contact and setting achievable goals in a crucial step. When we believe in ourself and our abilities, it's easier to assert our opinions and stand our ground.

Your body language speaks volumes, so make sure it aligns with your message and intentions.Mastering assertive body language is crucial for commanding presence and respect in the workplace. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use open gestures to convey confidence and engagement. Smile and nod to foster rapport and positivity. When speaking, articulate clearly and maintain a calm demeanor to project composure and assertiveness.

You see feedback is one of the most effective ways to know why or how to improve in any situation. Ask for feedback from colleagues or supervisors on how you come across. This will help you identify areas for improvement.

Asking trusted colleagues or mentors for feedback on our communication style will help us to improve faster. They may offer valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

Practice active listening: Show that you are engaged and interested in what others have to say. This can help build mutual respect and better understand others' viewpoints.

Consider your mindset. Ask yourself why you are afraid to speak up? Is it internal or external? Eg: Do you have imposter syndrome? Are you concerned about the organizational culture? Discovering and reflecting on your reasons for remaining silent can direct you towards the best approach for addressing it. Go brave!

Your level of assertiveness is related to many things like upbringing, culture, country, role models and personality. You need to understand why you do what you do (root cause analysis). What is holding you back? But, you can also act your way into a new behaviour. Set a goal to do one thing a day at first and build on the momentum, it can be contagious.

Read: When I Say No, I Feel Guilty. The 'Bill of Assertive Rights' in When I Say No, I Feel Guilty reads as follows: You have the right to 1. judge your own behavior, thoughts, and emotions, and to take the responsibility for their initiation and consequences upon yourself. 2. offer no reasons or excuses for justifying your behavior. 3. judge if you are responsible for finding solutions to other people's problems. 4. to change your mind. 5. make mistakes - and be responsible for them. 6. say, 'I don't know'. 7. choose to accept or not accept "help". 8. be illogical in making decisions. 9. say, 'I don't understand'. 10. say, 'I don't care'.

Improve your emotional intelligence to better understand and manage your emotions and those of others. High EI can help you navigate difficult conversations with more empathy and assertiveness, enabling you to express your needs and opinions while considering the emotions and perspectives of your colleagues. Clearly define what you are willing to accept in your professional interactions and what is non-negotiable. Communicating these boundaries respectfully and firmly to your colleagues and superiors can help you maintain a healthy work environment and improve your assertiveness. Practice assertiveness through role-playing exercises either alone or with a trusted friend or mentor.

Consider Training or Counseling If you find that you need more support to develop your assertiveness skills, consider seeking specific training or counseling. Professionals can offer personalized strategies and support to help you become more assertive. Remember that assertiveness is a skill that can be learned and improved over time. With practice and dedication, it's possible to enhance the way you communicate and interact in the workplace, leading to better relationships and outcomes.