Why being more assertive is not the answer

Research from many reliable sources suggests that women often find it harder to say no than men and that they may receive less respect or face more negative consequences when they do. This ‘double bind’ has been well documented and publicised for many years now, leading many women to simply accept their fate.

Yet as the old saying goes – it’s not what you do, it’s the way that you do it, and that’s what gets results. There are many ways to say no – some effective, others not. Successfully navigating the art of saying no involves adopting strategies that lead to the desired outcome. This isn't about being more assertive, the usual well-meaning advice given to women. It’s about reading your audience and understanding their goals, so you can provide guidance without overcommitting. It’s about strategic communication that respects both your boundaries and the needs of others. This approach ensures that you can contribute positively to the team while maintaining your own productivity (and well-being).

And the best part? It’s a win-win – with no extra assertiveness required!

What’s also important to understand here though is why so many of us, male or female, have such a strong urge to say yes. Why do we find it so hard to say no? What questions can we quickly ask ourselves to guide us? And what are the real, tangible benefits to saying no? To find out, take a look at the article here.

Very best,

Jacqueline