The importance of assertiveness in small business is that when you are a small business owner you have a unique opportunity to impact the success of your team and your company. There are so many obstacles in front of you, but strong, assertive leaders are sure to find solutions together. You have an opportunity to be the hero and do something incredible that others will remember long after they have forgotten what it was about. Do you know how your behavior impacts the way you interact with customers and staff? This article will explain the importance of assertiveness.
When you communicate with someone else, whether it’s through email or a phone call, you are communicating your body language, the tone of your voice and your intentions. If your body language, tone and intentions do not match with the message you are trying to convey you may send the wrong impression. Everyone has different feelings and behaviors toward what they think is important. It is up to you to learn more about your target audience and find out how their thoughts and feelings may differ from your own.
The concept of assertiveness is often confused with aggression. While both are often used in the same situation, there is a clear difference between the two. Aggression usually stems from anger or a desire to win, while assertiveness is generally a way of helping to make a point, an explanation and a polite request. A simple example can be illustrated by the old saying, “Don’t talk like that; talk like a cat.” If you are talking to a large audience and you begin to talk like a cat, the space will not absorb your words and you may find yourself feeling defensive.
Learning assertiveness will help you develop a more polite manner, which is always a good thing. You may be able to avoid confrontations if you learn more about how others respond to your comments and actions. When you are being assertive, you will show your target that you are in control of the situation, and that you don’t feel threatened. This could put the target in a position of power and dominance, causing the individual to back down from their aggressive behaviors. Instead, they will respond more slowly and more assertively, usually leading the individual into a state of defeat or defeatism.
The best way to take the time to practice assertiveness is to do so when working with a group. Assertiveness is not about trying to gain power over others, but rather, using assertiveness to create a positive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. It can be learned in a class or through role playing, allowing you to find solutions even when it’s just at home.
When you find yourself feeling aggressive and defensive, make a real effort to practice assertiveness. Assertiveness is really the power behind polite conversation – it is the ability to keep your feelings and thoughts under control. The ability to talk and listen without dismissing or minimizing the other person’s behavior shows that the individual has control over their own feelings and responses. When you constantly reject feelings that conflict with your own, you set yourself up for negative emotional patterns. Learning assertiveness will not only improve your interactions with others, but it will also increase your self-confidence and lead to greater self-esteem.