Confident Woman
Confident Woman: Knowing your Worth, and Communicating Value
Do you struggle feeling confident at work? Or maybe you are confident, but when it comes to certain people or departments you struggle with expressing yourself.
Assertiveness is part of our fundamental communication skills. Some are born with personality types who are more easily able to express themselves, while many others are not. The good thing is assertiveness is something that can be learned and practiced!
Assertiveness is a delicate balance. Many women are intimidated to be assertive; thinking if they come off too strong they will look aggressive. However, many times the result ends up being women who are too passive.
So what are some easy steps to being more assertive in the workplace? Let’s find out:
Recognize your worth! The first step to becoming more assertive is to recognize your worth not only as a person but as a professional. Each one of us has a unique skillset and background experience. No one person is alike. Therefore, each one of us brings something special and uncommon to the table. Celebrate your difference. Embrace your strengths and weakness, and remember you are a valuable player.
Quiet the inner critic! Remember you can be your own worst enemy. Many times, we allow negative thoughts to control our emotions and behaviors, which can have a lasting impact on the outcome. Next time you are preparing for a meeting, try taking 1 minute to remind yourself of your value. Remember, being assertive doesn’t mean you have all the answers, it simply means you are willing to speak up and ask if you need clarification or help. Check out our resource page for a list of positive self-affirmations.
Know the difference between assertive vs. aggressive! Assertiveness is not bossing others around, it’s not demanding, and it’s not disrespectful. Assertiveness is simply communicating your needs or asking for clarification in a direct and concise manner. The goal is to create positive and clear communication between parties to promote cooperation. Check out our Resource page for a list of assertive phrases you can start implementing today. Remember assertiveness is a skill to be practiced.
When you start to become more assertive you will find you are more confident to ask for what you need, set expectations, say no more easily, and recognize when others are taking advantage of you. Assertiveness starts by recognizing your worth! Remember, you have a lot to give and a lot to offer. Now go get ‘em!
Check back for our next post on “Saying No: the How To’s of boundary setting”