Assertiveness can be a very valuable tool in your work life. Not only can it help you to communicate better with your colleagues and make your life at the office happier, it can also keep your career on the right track and help you get ahead.
What is assertiveness?
The Collins English Dictionary defines assertiveness as being confident and direct in claiming one’s rights or putting forward one’s views. Another dictionary describes an assertive person as someone who states their needs and opinions clearly, so that people take notice.
What assertiveness is not
Assertiveness does not equate to or involve aggression. It respects the needs of colleagues. It does not manipulate others to reach selfish ends. It does not bully. Assertiveness aims to find solutions that suit all parties. It aims to find win-win solutions.
Why can I gain from being assertive?
From victim to participant: When you do not speak up for yourself, you effectively reduce yourself to the role of victim – your end up suffering in silence. When you make your feelings or opinions known, you show that you matter. By showing that you respect yourself, you gain the respect of others.
Honest, open relationships: If you are seen to participate and speak your mind, you will be perceived as being open. Your colleagues will feel that they can trust you to always be honest. This authenticates your office relationships.
Job satisfaction: Assertiveness gives you control over situations or circumstances. It helps you to take responsibility for changing aspects of your work that you are unhappy with. As you gain more control, the office will feel less like a hostile environment and more like a place where you can realise your potential and reach your goals.
Well-being: Feeling victimised and un-validated takes a heavy toll on mental well-being. It can lead to internalised anger and feelings of resentment. When you claim your place and make your feelings known, all these feelings are released. Standing up for yourself also boosts self-esteem.
Sources
Miller, K. 15 workplace skills every woman should master. Retrieved from http://www.refinery29.com/how-to-be-more-assertive-at-work#slide
Assertiveness. Working with people, not against them. Retrieved from https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/Assertiveness.htm
(Revised by M van Deventer)