Assert Yourself on the Job

There is a fine line between assertiveness and aggression. It is seldom in your best interests to be labeled as aggressive, but assertiveness is a compliment and implies an ability to be tactful in achieving what you want. Read on for ideas on how to be assertive in your job.

Know what you want and need from others. Before you can objectively ask for help, you need to be clear, detailed and concise when asking for assistance or delegating to others working for you.

Encourage people to ask questions and get clarification on your requests. This means that you will assume there are questions and perhaps even answer things that you anticipate someone may ask. Be firm but as emotionless as possible when directing others on what to do and how to do it. Ask open-ended questions. Instead of “Do you have any questions?” say “What questions do you have about anything we have discussed?”

When someone becomes emotional for whatever reason, take the person aside and probe to find out what is going on and why. If you can provide help or guidance, do so. Try to give the person time to vent or discuss their preoccupation so they can get it out of the way and get back to the job.

If someone questions you in a negative way, deal with the objections rationally and as quickly as possible. Direct them back to performing the tasks of the job. If one person, “the troublemaker,” becomes belligerent, take him aside and review his responsibilities and priorities as needed. Be firm, direct and logical. If he is unwilling to perform a task that is important to his job, and continues to be insubordinate, you need to get others involved and give discipline as warranted by your company policy)

There are certain people who just have a knack for getting under your skin and becoming an annoyance. When you see this happening, try to break the usual pattern of communication and surprise them by being nice or joking with them or acting in an unusual but socially acceptable way. If you don’t let them get to you, they can’t do it.

Keep your objectives in mind at all times and have your own work priorities set in your mind. Sometimes you will have to push others a little to get the best out of them. Be willing to push or challenge them. You may be surprised to discover that something you said motivated them to go beyond the norm and produce a better, faster or more efficient result.

Encourage others to believe in themselves because you believe in them. Help them build self-confidence and reward them for a job well done. Even if you are not a direct supervisor or member of management, you can praise others or take them out for coffee if they have helped you achieve company goals.