Manufacture Your Day by BEING ASSERTIVE

Happy Monday!

Have you noticed how common the lack of assertiveness is? It is a skill that can be learned and it all starts with becoming more aware.

Assertiveness is the quality of being self-assured and confident without being aggressive.

“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” ― Warren Buffett

If you have team members who lack confidence and/or willingness to communicate specific concerns, ideas or improvement opportunities, you will see the results in the bottom line.

Here are a few assertiveness must haves:

• Take responsibility for your actions
• Learn how to say “No”
• Be honest with yourself and others
• Ask for what you want 
• Stay respectful at all times
• Communicate clearly
• Be an attentive listener
• Ask open-ended questions
• Learn to be decisive and confident
• Trust your gut – consider the wisdom we can receive from the abdomen; 
• Acknowledge your right to stand up for yourself
• Believe in yourself and your instincts

 

Take the little test on the picture above. You will learn quickly where you stand on the assertiveness scale. What will it take to try something new from the list above?

If you start doing new things, you will get different results. This should be no-brainer, right?

“Assertiveness is not what you do, it’s who you are!” ― Shakti Gawain

The more you wait, the longer it takes. Just saying.

Food for Thought: 

Do you feel similar challenges keep repeating themselves? What would it take to push yourself out of your comfort zone to receive new and refreshing ideas? Small improvements can have a significant impact on people and results.

Great articles on assertiveness: 

Being Assertive: Reduce stress, communicate better

Assertiveness, Not Agressivness