Office politics can be brutal. Many professionals get taken advantage of simply because they are afraid of standing up for themselves. It can be intimidating to confront difficult situations at work. Most people don’t want to be considered rude or disrespectful, so they accept things that happen and don’t speak up when they’re frustrated. Eventually, they end up quitting and moving on without ever having tried to be assertive.
Of course, there are ways to be both assertive and professional. It is a delicate balance but one that is well worth the effort.
First off, being assertive does not mean being pushy. It doesn’t have to be confrontational or rude. It simply means being straight-forward and strong. If you have an idea, opinion or problem to address, being assertive tells others you mean business. Here are a few tips to help you be more assertive without upsetting others or harming your reputation at the office.
Don’t Make Demands
Being assertive doesn’t mean you will always get your way. You must still make reasonable requests and expect that sometimes you’ll get exactly what you want and sometimes you won’t. Being a professional is all about compromise. You must be willing to negotiate. Unless you are the top boss, making demands won’t get you very far.
Address Issues Directly
If you have a problem with someone or something, don’t beat around the bush. Don’t gossip with others, complain to co-workers or write mean things on your blog. Confront the situation head on by speaking with the people directly involved. For more on this topic, check out How to Handle Conflict at Work.
Project Confidence
It is much easier to take advantage of someone who seems meek and submissive than someone who appears poised and self-confident. Don’t allow yourself to be intimidated by those in authority. Maintain a self-assured image even when in doubt. Always be professional but stand your ground. Set appropriate limits and learn how to say “no” when necessary.
Control Emotions
Don’t let frustration or anger get the better of you. In a professional environment, being emotional is a sign of weakness. If you’re feeling stressed, take a few minutes in private to breathe deep and re-focus yourself. Be cautious of sharing your feelings with co-workers as it may come back and bite you in the future.
Remember Your Value
It’s much easier to be assertive when you remember that you are a valuable member of the organization you work for. Your presence and contribution are important. They didn’t hire you to blend into the background. Let your voice be heard, show your personality and be strong. Don’t be afraid of being assertive. It is definitely possible to do it without upsetting others or looking aggressive. If done in the correct way, being assertive will help you build a powerful reputation in any business.
If you liked this article, check out Balancing Work and Life and How to Win at Work.
