Your boss wants you to do your co-worker’s report because she has fallen behind schedule, and he knows you work efficiently. This has happened frequently. How do you feel about it?
Your friend in your car is singing off-key and continues doing it for 20 minutes. It begins to get on your nerves and you politely ask her to stop, but she doesn’t. What next?
How do you deal with the above scenarios? Two options! You say a direct NO, be firm and aggressive or you stay passive and keep letting things get on your nerves.
Works for you? Nah!
If you are aggressive, you will see repercussions, and if passive you will be stressed.
So how about figuring a better way out here.
How about thinking of the way which mutually benefits both the parties involved in communication? How about learning a better way of saying No? How about being able to push back without having to face any consequences? How about being confident about your opinions?
How about being assertive?
Assertive communication is often mistaken for exercising aggressiveness. Having an opinion is often confused with being arrogant or commanding.
Assertiveness is standing up for your own rights in such a way that you do not violate another person’s rights. Expressing your needs, wants, opinions, feelings, and beliefs in direct, honest, and appropriate ways.
Assertiveness is a skill that helps you to be respected and valued for your expressions.
Assertive communication is about “I count my needs. I count your needs.”
An assertive person is more of a solution person than being a critic.
How can you be assertive?
An assertive person always aims at the fulfillment of shared interests. You don’t find excuses to not do the job, instead, you suggest alternatives in case of not being able to do it.
Self Esteem is one of the biggest emotional traits required for assertiveness.
Self-esteem is being confident about yourself without having a feeling of superiority over others or feeling inferior about yourself.
Also, you need to empathize with others and be respectful of their opinions.
Not to forget, proactive communication is the key. You need to be open to explaining, elaborating, and having an honest discussion.
Instead of just saying that I can’t work on a Sunday, explain why you can’t and what could be an alternative here. A replacement, work from home, picking it up on Monday or whatsoever.
There is always a solution and you need to be keen on offering that.
Remember! Assertiveness is not what you do it’s who you are!
Experience professional training as a part of our VLSI RN Course, with the activities that boost your confidence and make you an assertive and charming communicator.
