Some people get exactly what they want in the workplace, while others just… don’t. There isn’t any luck involved in this. The answer is simple – assertiveness. This means having self-assurance and confidence in your beliefs and opinions without being aggressive. It means standing up for your rights in direct, appropriate, and honest ways.
The good news is that assertiveness skills can be learned and developed. To help boost your job prospects and advance your career, here are some tips to take on board today.
Build Your Self-Esteem
Those who struggle with low self-esteem may find it difficult to tell other people what they want. The best way to use assertiveness is to start by working on your confidence and self-esteem. Knowing your self-worth is critical to your success. Building your self-esteem isn’t going to happen overnight. But with determination and consistency, it will improve. Over time, you’ll realize you were more assistive than you first thought. The impact will show in how you engage with others.
Keep Building Your Skills
Although being assertive is great, having an army of other skills in your repertoire is vital to success. Whether improving how you communicate or mastering the art of active listening, building on the skills you’ve already learned will make you a powerhouse, especially when it comes to finding your dream job. There’s the option to join an assertiveness training course by online training providers like ZandaX. Their course teaches you not only what it means but also how to respond to inappropriate behavior in other people.
Understand Your Rights and Boundaries
Being assertive at work includes knowing your rights and understanding your boundaries. Knowing your limits will help you respond to unreasonable requests from managers. It’s your job to learn about all the privileges, rights, and entitlements linked to your career. You can often find this information in job descriptions, policy manuals, and other documents.
Use the Correct Body Language and Facial Expressions
While many people believe assertiveness is all about what you say, combining this with the correct body language and facial expressions is essential. Words are far more effective if you let your voice, tone, and facial expressions contribute to messages at work. When speaking, let your body be in sync with the message you’re giving. For example, maintaining eye contact, nodding your head, and not crossing your arms are among the most important parts of body language to bear in mind.
Be Assertive, Never Aggressive
This is a big one. There’s quite a fine line between being assertive and being aggressive. Assertiveness is all about getting your message across in a positive, friendly way. If you come across as cold or angry, don’t expect others to take what you say on board or follow your orders.
To get the job you want, you need to learn transferable skills like assertiveness. Doing this will massively boost your chances of finding the right job. Because when you are assertive, good things will come your way…
