Assertiveness is an important skill for effective communication as an adult. Assertiveness allows you to advocate for yourself and your needs in a healthy way. Some people interpret assertiveness as hostility or rudeness. Many factors can go into how assertiveness is interpreted or received. Let’s take a look at ways to advocate for yourself in an effective manner.

What Is Assertiveness?

Assertiveness is an interpersonal skill. It demonstrates your confidence and allows you to advocate for your needs, desires and boundaries while being respectful towards others. You are taking care of yourself by looking out for yourself.

Many struggle with exhibiting assertive behavior because they confuse assertiveness with aggressiveness. And let’s face it, there are still gender biases in the career world. Some women are labeled “bitchy” instead of assertive if they speak out in the workplace.

It may be especially difficult if you’ve maintained a passive personality most of your life. Now, you feel that you may hurt feelings and make enemies if you practice assertiveness.

Steps To Being Assertive 

• Ask for you want or need respectfully
• It is ok to say “No”
• Speak your mind 
• Remember that you are not responsible for the other party’s response
• You have a right to your feelings 
• Use “I” statements when speaking
• Don’t apologize for your feelings or needs.

Delivery Matters

You can definitely be assertive without being rude. Tact is a thing. So is delivery. How you advocate for your needs can make a difference in how it is received. You can be assertive without being aggressive or impolite.

Using “I” statements to convey your needs helps prevent the person you are speaking to understand that you are stating your needs, and not placing blame. At times people may take assertiveness as rudeness when it is not. This is not your responsibility. Stay calm, keep it positive and constructive, but speak your needs.

Practice Practice

Assertiveness comes easy for some and is an anxiety-inducing challenge for others. The thing is, the more you do it the easier it gets. If being assertive does not come naturally for you start small. Practice stating your opinions in lower fidelity situations first.

Gain confidence as you go. Don’t apologize for stating your wants and needs. Know your boundaries and beliefs on bigger issues and be ready to peacefully and proactively advocate for your needs. 

If you’ve been an aggressive personality most of your life, it may be very difficult to contain your anger and harshness when dealing with others. You want your way and may not think it can happen by stepping down a rung or two on the ladder to assertive behavior.

The truth is that there is a line between both passive and assertive and aggressive and assertive behaviors. You may want to second-guess yourself about crossing the line – but, if you know the traits of an assertive personality versus passive and aggressive, you should be able to stand up for yourself without backing down or becoming angry and frustrated.

Dont’s 

• Placing blame 
• Sharing your wants and needs in a confrontational or aggressive manner
• Yelling or shouting 
• Being unwilling to hear the other person out

Here is a quick guide about using assertive rather than passive or aggressive behavior:

• Assertive – Clearly states an opinion, but is respectful of others beliefs.
  • Aggressive – Becomes angry and attacks the other person’s opinions.
  • Passive – Stay in the corner and don’t express opinions at all.

• Assertive – Makes eye contact with others.
  • Aggressive – Glaring stares at the person.
  • Passive – Avoids making eye contact.

• Assertive – Body language is relaxed and open.
  • Aggressive – Body language is rigid and may enter another’s space.
  • Passive – Body language is withdrawn and slumped.

• Assertive – Considers him or herself as valuable as others.
  • Aggressive – He or she knows it all.
  • Passive – No self-value or self-esteem.

• Assertive – Sets goals and reaches them.
  • Aggressive – May reach goals no matter what he says or does.
  • Passive – Doesn’t know how to set goals – or reach them.

Check out this short video with tips on how you can be assertive without rubbing people the wrong way.

As you can see by the above patterns, there’s a huge difference between each of the main personality traits. Assertive traits are admired by all, but they may not be easily accepted – at least, not at first. As you continue on the road to assertive behavior patterns, you’ll find it easier to transform from passive or aggressive to assertive. Just remember to think before you act.

There are exceptions to every rule, but if you make it a point to try and be sensitive to people’s feelings and notice body language and facial expressions, you’ll do well in developing an assertive personality style that will bode well for you.

Do your best to stay calm and be diplomatic. Also, understand that you can’t force someone to respect your assertive requests and behavior. You know what is best for you and only you can decide what to do if your requests are not honored. Stay true to your integrity and values.

If you want more secrets to building a successful career brand, you can:

Join Successfully Ever After  an online course designed to help you create a personal brand designed with career success in mind within 30 days.

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Check out my audio books: Get Noticed, Get Hired or When In Doubt, Delete It!

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