We often talk about assertiveness without really understanding what it means. It is simply the ability to express yourself clearly and assertively. Simply put, assertiveness skills are Communication skills that communicate information and thoughts in a direct and non-threatening manner while maintaining respect for people you are talking with. This is a fundamental part of interpersonal communication, and the ability to do so effectively can be the difference between success and failure. Learn more about assertiveness skills and the powerful ways they can help you!
When we talk about assertiveness skills, we usually think about controlling behavior. However, there are underlying issues that need to be addressed before you can effectively communicate your thoughts and feelings. In fact, there are many people who have a hard time communicating because they have low self-esteem and they do not feel confident about their own abilities. They therefore turn to aggressive communication styles that put others down or create unnecessary tension. This can lead to a variety of interpersonal problems, such as:
To prevent this problem, you need to be aware of what you are doing when you turn to aggressive communication styles. You should learn and understand assertive communication skills so that you can be confident and maintain control. For example, assertiveness is a key component of passive communication. Passive individuals communicate through non-verbal cues and non-confrontational verbal messages.
If you are passive then you will need to learn how to communicate assertively. Examples of good assertive communication would include using voice commands, body language, and non-verbal cues to get your point across. If you are in a meeting, then you may want to consider using eye contact to show that you are interested in the subject of the meeting. By using these skills effectively, you will make others aware of your position and can thus encourage them to see that you have relevant knowledge about the matter at hand.
The fifth skill that you need to develop is assertiveness skills for leadership. This is particularly important in various types of settings including, but not limited to: work, social, sports, politics, and religious meetings. When it comes to assertiveness in these settings, you must be assertive even if the situation poses a challenge your ego. Simply put, in these cases, you have to assert yourself because doing so will help you achieve your goals. Assertiveness will also make other people involved in the situation comfortable, which will increase the likelihood that an outcome will be positive.
It takes some time and practice to learn and master the assertiveness skills necessary for assertiveness in different situations. You will need to focus on your feelings and thoughts. Instead of focusing on whether or not you feel like doing something, start focusing on how good it feels. And when the feelings start to backfire and cause you to say something rash, stop, step back, and try again. With enough practice and patience, you will become assertive even in the most difficult situations.