Here's how you can embody the key characteristics of an assertive professional.

Be an Assertive Professional: Share Your Expertise Here's the gist: - Contribute your insights alongside other experts. - Earn recognition for your valuable contributions. - Boost your career development through coaching. Action Steps: - Share your knowledge with confidence. - Be clear and direct in your communication. - Don't be afraid to disagree respectfully.

Maintain eye contact, stand or sit up straight, and use gestures that convey assurance. Clearly define what is acceptable and what is not. Learn to say "no" when necessary. Understand your personal and professional values and let them guide your actions.

Embodying the key characteristics of an assertive professional involves clear, respectful communication and confident decision-making. From my experience, assertiveness is about expressing your needs and opinions without undermining others. Early in my career, I learned to listen actively and provide constructive feedback. Practicing these skills in team meetings helped build mutual respect and fostered a collaborative environment. Set boundaries, stay composed under pressure, and practice saying no when necessary. This approach not only enhances your professional relationships but also drives your career growth with confidence and integrity.

It's important to use the right language when trying to communicate clearly. 💡 Rule of thumb: make sure that even a child will understand you. 🔹 Be concise and direct Instead of "I was thinking that maybe we could possibly consider adjusting our timeline," try "Let's adjust our timeline to meet the new deadline." 🔹 Use simple language Instead of "utilize," say "use." Instead of "commence," say "start." 🔹 Clarify expectations "Could you please send me the report by 3 PM tomorrow?" instead of "Can you get the report to me soon?"

Active listening isn't just about listening; it's about asking questions to ensure you fully understand the other person. To do this, try these phrases: - "So, if I understand correctly, you're saying that..." - "Do you mean that...?" - "From what I gather, you feel that..." Additionally, show compassion and empathy while listening by: ▸ Nodding ▸ Reacting to what the person said with your body language ▸ Using words like "exactly," "right," "I see," and "I understand". This way, the person knows you are making an effort to understand and empathize with them.

Start by addressing issues directly and promptly rather than letting them fester. Approach each situation with a calm demeanour and an open mind, aiming to understand the perspectives of all parties involved. focus on the issue at hand rather than personal attributes. Use "I" statements to express your feelings and needs without assigning blame, such as "I feel concerned when deadlines are missed because it impacts our team's performance." Active listening gives the other person space to share their viewpoint and validate their feelings, even if you disagree. Strive to find common ground and be willing to compromise when necessary.