---

Guest post by: Pramila Mathew Become an Author

Tweet

---

---

Assertiveness is state of confidence wherein one is bold, direct and primarily confident with others. Many times assertiveness gets confused with aggression. This leads to mishaps like snubbing other people on the wrong site, thereby creating a negative impact. For this reason, it is important to understand how to be assertive especially at the work place. Being assertive can showcase a more proactive and confident individual.

Assertiveness is essential in the workplace where colleagues and managers can make unreasonable requests or demands on your time - leading to stress, depression and anxiety. This in turn leads to aggression, aloofness and attrition. Very often, it can even ruin good career prospects.

Why Assertiveness is perceived to be difficult

People tend to be hesitant to assert themselves for the following reasons:

They feel anxious that it would attract dislike from others

This misconception is probably what prevents most people from being assertive. We all strive to be accepted and liked by others. We look up to people who can make their presence felt. Many people have a sphere of influence, wherein their opinions are accounted and accepted.

The only way this can happen is through their assertiveness. It helps them get their ideas across, and with a little bit of convincing, everyone sees good judgement in their view. People tend to respect those have the ability to be assertive, not aggressive.



They feel that it would be considered as selfish

Assertiveness is all about making your presence and ideas be felt and heard. This is why a lot of people feel that it would be considered if they were to do so.

It is important to realise that by putting our needs on an equal level with the needs of others does not account to being selfish. Selfishness arises if we don’t consider the needs of others and put our wants first. Hence it is important to let our needs be known as it is important for our well being.

They fear angering or upsetting the other person/s

The momentary spark that is creating when you are assertive will normally be replaced with agreement from the other side. By being assertive, you help the other person see your point of view, and understand your perception of the issue.



Here are some tips on how to be assertive in the work place:

• Try to relax, rather than becoming angry
• Look at the other person, stand (or sit) upright and keep a calm tone of voice.
• Keep what you want to say clear and to the point.
• Avoid long explanations.
• There's no need to apologise if you feel you are in the right.
• Be polite but firm.

The key to effective assertiveness is using the right words, pitch of voice and body language. You may find yourself becoming nervous – remember that it is a natural bodily reaction. Take a deep breath before you start speaking. Think of what you would like to say and put it forward without aggression. We have found that Assertiveness Skills Training generally helps individuals to gain a better perspective. It helps them in their conflict resolution skills and improves work place relationships.

“The basic difference between being assertive and being aggressive is how our words and behavior affect the rights and well being of others.”

- Sharon Anthony Bower

Related Articles

  Develope your Assertiveness Training
  Assert Your Capabilities
  Great Leadership Requires Inspiration, IX
  Assertiveness: You Can Do This!
  Facets of Assertiveness
  Your Sales Team Should Be Assertive Not Agressive!
  For Your Next Negotiation...
  Assertive Manager Win
  How Is Your Value Perceived
  Assertiveness
  Dont Say Yes When You Mean No
  EQ Vs. IQ-It is not what you know but what you show that counts!
  Buying the Benefits
  How Emotional Intelligence Affects Leadership Quality
  Managing Conflict
  Use the Power of Assurance and Make Your Point
  Do You Ask For Referrals Or Hope For Referrals
  Value Over Price Preserves Profitability
  Personality Traits Of Effective Leaders - Part One
  Use Assertiveness Skills Training To Respond Better When Confronted With Aggressive People

Related Forum Posts

Re: how many hours do you spend in here per day?
Re: Welcome New Moderators in Addition to Our Fine Team!
Re: how many hours do you spend in here per day?

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Should Leaders Have Friends at Work?

Work at Home Mom - The Secret to Success

The Light Bulb Challenge

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.