Empowering Emerging Leaders: Assertiveness in Executive Meetings

I recently encountered a poignant challenge from an emerging leader, which I believe resonates with many in similar positions.? The individual shared their feelings of discouragement after meeting with executives, where they experienced a lack of eye contact and were often interrupted when speaking.? Their query was profound: “Do I have to be rude to be professionally acknowledged and to create talking space to share my point of view?”

My answer was a resounding “No.”? It is important to understand assertiveness is not rudeness; it is about being clear and confident in your communication.? I offered the following strategies to help them be more effective in meetings without compromising professionalism.

1.?????? Preparation is Key:? Enter meetings well-prepared.? When you know your material, it boosts your confidence and the perception you are a serious contributor

2.?????? Body Language: ?Non-verbal cues speak volumes.? Adopt a posture which signals engagement and confidence.? Make eye contact, sit upright and use gestures which indicate you are ready to contribute meaningfully.

3.?????? Speak with Conviction:? Use a firm and clear tone to convey your ideas.? A tone which projects confidence, yet remains calm can significantly change how your words are received

4.?????? Manage Interruptions:? If you are interrupted, calmly assert your need to finish.? A simple, “Please let me finish my point,” can politely signal your intention.

5.?????? Engage Proactively:? Make a point to engage others by asking questions or inviting feedback on your inputs.? It demonstrates your interest in collaboration and also cements your voice in the discussion.

Leadership in any organization must foster an inclusive environment which values each participant’s contributions.? Executives should be aware of their interaction styles and ensure they are not monopolizing conversations or inadvertently shutting others out or down.

Remember, effective communication is key to professional growth and leadership.? Being assertive does not mean changing who you are; it means evolving how you express your ideas and standing firm in your space.

Assertiveness is a skill which can be honed with practice and intention.? It involves not just speaking up, but doing so in a way which respects the dynamics of the room while ensuring your voice is heard.? Effective communication is about balance – asserting your space while allowing others theirs.? It not only enhances your leadership capabilities, but also contributes positively to the overall team dynamic

For executives, it is crucial to foster an inclusive environment where every participant feels valued and heard.? It improves team outcomes and encourages a culture of respect and collaboration.

What advice would you have offered an emerging leader?

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