Learn to stand your ground at work

Being assertive in the workplace is essential if you’re to make your mark and be well regarded by management as well as your peers, so take a look at these essential tips for being self-assured without resorting to aggression.

Learn how and when to say no: It’s important to set boundaries and you are within your rights to say no to your boss if you feel their request is unreasonable. Just be sure to do so in a respectful and courteous manner.

Be clear and get your message across: Instead of saying “I don’t like your attitude” try saying “I’d prefer if you spoke to me more politely”. Don’t hide behind mealy-mouthed platitudes – tell people how you really feel and don’t be afraid to speak up.

Get your facts right: If you’re faced with challenging a co-worker then be sure you have enough evidence to back up your comments – don’t rely on hearsay or rumours.

Remember the significance of respect: This applies equally to yourself and others – no-one respects those who are too cowardly to stand up for themselves. Equally, people don’t take well to being spoken to in a belittling or rude manner, so take care to respect colleagues and be empathetic to their needs.

Accept your shortcomings and accentuate the positive: Don’t take criticism to heart or think of every failure as the end of the road; turn it round and use it as an opportunity to build on your mistakes and learn from them so you can improve your performance in future.

Push the boundaries and challenge yourself: The flip side of assertiveness is confidence and few things give you more confidence than doing something you’ve never tried before. Whether it’s taking on a new project or helping out another department, make time to get out of your comfort zone now and then – you’ll be surprised at how much it can boost your self-belief.

Read the original articles at tinyurl.com/o96amzl and tinyurl.com/ptthaez