How To Be Assertive

Having the ability to be assertive is a good indication of your confidence level, and is certainly a key to assisting you in getting precisely what you want out of your life. Learning how to be assertive, hence, is important in the world of business. Those who lack assertiveness more than often cite situations like 'people ignore my opinions' and 'I'm always left standing at the bar waiting to be served'. This isn't a good attitude to have, and so this is a good illustration of the importance of learning how to be assertive.

Having an attitude that lowers yourself in the eyes of yourself, and allows you to think less of yourself, contradicts every aspect of your personality necessary to succeed in business.

Quite often, people will say that they are reluctant to learn how to be assertive, as they do not wish to perhaps become an aggressive or obnoxious person. More often than not, however, if you are lacking in the ability to be assertive - then you are very much far off from ever harbouring a personality that could become aggressive. If you still feel worried that you will become aggressive whilst learning how to become assertive, then it is notable that you should be aware that in order to become an aggressive person, you must also be demanding, bullying, taunting, you must threaten people, you must be sarcastic and, perhaps at the very worst, become physically aggressive.

Now, think again and decide if you think you'll become aggressive! More often than not people will not fit all that criteria - and it you don't, you have nothing to worry about. You should be more concerned about how important it is to learn how to be assertive.

Most people are not assertive at all because they are too bothered by their worries that people do not and will not like them - and perhaps these people also like to avoid confrontation. Behaving in this manner can end up leading to unhealthy relationships in the long run, and so it is important to avoid becoming a confrontational and aggressive person.

A good tip on learning to become assertive would be to communicate your opinion clear, directly and precisely. Don't tip toe around what you want to say. In the world of business, there is no room for tip toeing around a subject or concern, as it could ultimately cost you a huge amount of money. Another good tip is to not shy away from any point you wish to make, or any action you think is necessary. You should commit yourself to what you want to do and take all responsibility, becoming accountable for your actions within your business operations. For example, if you are to make a complaint - you must say 'I think' as opposed to generalizing and saying 'we think'. You are the voice of your own business and you must represent your business as much as you should be accountable for all the actions of the firm.

Resources

• How To Be Assertive