Being a good communicator is key to progress in the workplace. We asked a personal development expert her best tips to be more assertive at work.
When it comes to success in the workplace, there is more than just talent and hard work. Communicating is a very important part of being recognised as someone capable and deserving, but being assertive at work is not an easy task to master.
“Assertiveness is a way of communicating for success in the workplace. It enables you to communicate your ideas, beliefs and skills effectively, diplomatically and appropriately – and it can help you to avoid other workplace behaviours that can actually damage your workplace relationships”, says personal development expert and co-founder of The Hub Events Christine Macdonald.
“Being able to articulate your ideas in an assertive way can pay huge dividends for your career. Not only can it help leaders and managers deal with challenging behaviour from members of their team, but it can even help you progress through your company, with assertiveness seen as a key characteristic of a successful leader.”
To learn how to be more assertive at work, we asked Christine Macdonald to outline 9 powerful assertiveness techniques that can make a difference in the workplace.
Deliver your point in a calm and firm tone of voice
An assertive person is clear, confident and calm in their delivery. Whatever the situation, speak in a firm, warm, well-paced and non-accusatory manner as you get across your point; this helps to avoid interruptions and conflict.
To seem open and welcoming, as you talk, maintain direct eye contact; this makes those you are speaking with feel like they’re being addressed directly and makes it more likely they’ll listen to what you’re saying. As you do, ensure you smile and keep a firm but kind expression.
It’s not just your face that gives clues about the way you feel. Being assertive in your body language is about being relaxed and open. Stand upright, use calm hand gestures and be considerate of others’ personal space – after all, respect is a two-way street and showing it to others is a powerful way of getting them to show it to you.
When in a meeting
When there are multiple people in a meeting, it can be hard to speak up and feel heard, particularly if others present appear far more confident and opinionated than you. However, by expressing your point of view in a calm and clear manner, with open body language and addressing the topic directly – rather than umming and ahhing – will ensure your opinions are delivered assertively.
It’s also important to avoid interrupting others to speak. Showing you’re willing to listen to others’ perspectives and giving them the time to articulate how they’re feeling makes it more likely they’ll give you the same courtesy.
In general workplace conversations
When we speak with our colleagues, employees or boss, it can be easy to feel intimidated, or perhaps slip into unhelpful behaviours, such as being passive-aggressive – a communication style that can alienate those around you. To avoid this, keep eye contact with others throughout the conversation; this makes them feel listened to and ensures they know you’re speaking directly to them – this is a two-way conversation, after all.
As you deliver your perspective and listen to theirs, consider mirroring their expressions. This subtly shows that you’re in tune with their emotions, helping them feel understood and valued – and far more likely to work harder to understand your perspective, too.
You can also try and diffuse any negativity that arises in the conversation. You can do this by making the other person feel heard and summing up what they say to you, before delivering your perspective in turn. For example, say “I understand that you feel you should be leading this task, and I think that…”. This helps them to feel like you’ve listened to what they have to say and gives you an opportunity to deliver your opinion, without it coming across as hostile or aggressive.
When achieving goals or objectives
Being assertive in the workplace isn’t just about getting your point across. It’s also about establishing your role within your organisation and showing that you’re a person who deserves the respect and attention of those around you. This can be achieved by showing you support the successes of your team – even if these aren’t being led by or directly influenced by you – by taking pride in what you achieve collectively. This can be as little as sending around a team email congratulating everyone on their hard work and success, or making a point to highlight collective achievements during a team meeting.
When it comes to accountability
Being an assertive professional who is trusted and valued by their colleagues is about being a person who is willing to take accountability for their actions and their mistakes. Being able to hold your hands up and say you’ve got something wrong is a quality that is an advantageous skill, and one that many people don’t have. It shows humility and confidence; ultimately you’re proving that while you may have made a mistake, you’re willing to own it and make things better. This proves you’re capable of growth and improvement and is guaranteed to gain you respect from your colleagues.
When it comes to project management
Effectiveness in the workplace is about showing your ability to work with your colleagues. Regardless of whether you’re in a leadership role or not, managing a project and getting it delivered on schedule and to the highest standard possible can be a stressful but necessary part of many roles. Doing this effectively is about being able to work with your colleagues, and this means doing so without being too domineering or alienating them.
This means being open and accountable for your work, being happy to listen to your colleagues – even if ultimately you assert your way of doing things – and being ready to congratulate the team for their work when it’s due.
When it comes to managing others
If you’re in a senior role and want to learn to become a better manager, being aware of how important a part assertiveness can take in your day-to-day interactions with your team is critical. Successful leaders are those who are able to assert authority without being aggressive, embark on those courageous (or difficult) conversations that need to be had and build a culture of respect and teamwork.
A major driver in establishing this culture is ensuring that everyone is on board with a decision when it is made. This requires you to listen to your colleagues about their ideas and concerns and ensure that they feel heard – even if ultimately you choose to take a different path.
Learn how to be more assertive at work can help your career and your professional relationships. But being assertive can also help you feel more comfortable and empowered at work and in your personal life, helping reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
