How To Be Assertive In The Workplace

Popular How To Be Assertive In The Workplace Ariella Coombs Jenna Arcand March 03, 2022 {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664203608/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664203608/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664203608/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

Are you assertive in the workplace? Assertiveness is one of the many qualities that makes a good leader. Without this trait, leadership can be a challenge.

So, what if you're not a naturally assertive person but want to move up the ladder? Or, what if you're not confident enough to assert yourself in the workplace? Here are some tips from some of our approved career experts:

Focus On Leading

“The important thing to do is to stand up for yourself in a manner that doesn’t trample on other people,” says Bud Bilanich, author of Climbing The Corporate Ladder. “This is a good working definition of being assertive.” Bilanich stresses that if you’re in a leadership position, you have the right and, more importantly, the responsibility to direct the actions of others. “Don’t focus on being friends with the people you lead,” he advises. “Focus on leading them.”

So, how do you do this? Set goals with them and review their performance frequently. Provide them with positive, encouraging feedback when they do well, and redirect their behavior when they get off track.

Be Proactive

According to Dorothy Tannahill-Moran of NextChapterNewLife.com, assertiveness is a crucial trait in a leader. But what if you’re not naturally assertive? “You need to look at where you aren't asserting your opinion and direction, and think through those situations in advance,” says Tannahill-Moran. She suggests creating a “script” for yourself in advance. This approach allows you to work on your leadership skills in a proactive way.

Look for one opportunity each day to assert your opinions and direction—practice makes perfect! “Keep in mind that you are building a skill, which means it won't feel comfortable or fluid at first,” she says. “But the more you do it, the better you will be.”

Map Out A Plan Of Action

"Leadership is about directing people and you need to be clear about the expectations of the organization," says career coach Roshni P. Kumar. Kumar suggests creating a plan of action. For example, if you need to reach your office, the first thing you need to know is its location. Then, you determine the most effective route and guide others (management). "Once you are clear about your destination," she says, "then you can communicate effectively to your team—and that, my friend, is 'assertiveness.'"

Being assertive in the workplace takes practice, but once you hone this skill, you'll be better equipped to succeed as a leader.

If you're struggling to move up in your career or find the right career for you, we can help. We know how difficult it can be to stand out at work and overcome office politics. We know how it feels to be trapped in a career that isn't making you happy. That's why we'd love it if you joined our FREE community where professionals like you are learning how to become empowered in their careers so they can finally find career satisfaction.

Sign up for our FREE community and become a Workplace Renegade today!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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work {"customDimensions": {"1":"Ariella Coombs, Jenna Arcand","2":"popular","3":"work, assertive, leader, workplace, leadership, assertiveness, how to be more assertive, manager, how to be assertive, management, professionals, leadership skills, good leader, career advice, career, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29468320, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29468359, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29468326, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29468321","4":"03/03/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 376489624, 479660731, 473310813], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548592, 19836096]} } Get Some LeverageSign up for The Work It Daily NewsletterEnter emailSubscribeFollow window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_multiplex', ['fluid'], 'wit_multiplex').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display('wit_multiplex'); }); Blog Employees Expect Transparent Communication. Are You Leveraging Your Intranet? Debra Shannon March 03, 2022 {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664203608/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664203608/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664203608/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

When your office workforce pivoted from onsite to remote was it difficult to make sure employees received the same detailed communication? Did employees realize that all of the information they had when they were onsite wasn’t readily available when they were remote? Did your new employee receive a laptop, but there was little to no training documentation for him/her?

If your organization relies on share drives, hard copy documents, and copious emails, then you’re not taking advantage of your intranet. An intranet is a great one-stop-shopping tool to improve internal communication and collaboration (and potentially build a more transparent and positive culture). Relevant information can be posted on the intranet providing numerous benefits such as making announcements timely, centralized storage of data, and sharing best practices with others. For example, have a CEO/president's blog where they can post every 1-2 weeks with informative and engaging content.

7 Things To Consider When Building Your Company Intranet

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3e/be/59/3ebe59acd6956f82dd7970de12ce7c40.png

When building or upgrading your intranet, you’ll have a site map but don’t forget to define the processes and practices. Seven (7) key considerations are:

1. SharePoint is one tool—especially if employees are already using and are familiar with the Microsoft toolset; there are specific widgets for calendars, picture galleries, real-time feeds, social media links, etc.

2. Design and customize the intranet to appeal to all employees (from baby boomers to Generation Z). Ask the employees what type of widgets would make it more relevant and meaningful for them—maybe a blog, podcast, Craig's List, and/or Wiki. Employee engagement will lead to better adoption!

• A CEO/president that consistently shares valuable insights in their blog will show employees that he/she is authentic, open, and accessible
• Give employees a voice and the ability to collaborate and post content too

3. Create naming conventions for documents, forms, etc. (such as using a department prefix). Encourage unique document names that are intuitive for employees to find them. Using a date stamp in the footer and turning on versioning will identify which is the current version.

4. Create online forms (if possible) and automate workflows (if possible). Online forms with a workflow (such as a PTO request) will automate processing including approval/rejection, and escalation if the supervisor is out of the office.

5. Don’t make security overly complicated. Start off by giving everyone read-only access, and then restrict access for specific sites, pages, libraries, etc. as needed.

• Decentralized site ownership—train at least two individuals from each department to be department site administrators; same for project and community sites—train at least two individuals to be site administrators

6. If you have shared drives and want to eliminate them:

• Review all of the existing drives/documents
• Purge if drives/documents are old and not needed, duplicates, or past retention schedule date; an exception is any documents on legal hold for pending litigation
• Otherwise, if the document is current and relevant, move it to the intranet (following the naming convention)

7. And last but not least...

• Set up kiosks so that employees who don’t sit at a desk can access the intranet
• Have a contest asking employees to give the intranet a name; give the winner a prize
• Have a scavenger hunt when you go live to help employees get familiar with the intranet layout; give the winners prizes

https://www.intranetblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/intranet-governance-interact-software-400x250.jpeg

An intranet that is well-designed will be well-adopted and benefit the entire organization—specifically improving communication and collaboration. Employees will appreciate the organization having more transparent communication which will promote a more positive culture.

For more information on using your intranet to improve communication and collaboration, follow me on LinkedIn!

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