The voice that often proves hardest to raise is your own.
Standing up for yourself in a professional context where you might worry about job security is easier said than done. It’s not just about making noise – it’s about echoing with confidence, clarity, and assertiveness. Stop Being a Pushover
Read on for six effective strategies and key insights for making yourself heard when it’s crucial to stand up for yourself and secure what you truly desire, regardless of whether it sits well with others or not.
Table of Content:
Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold
Many people get assertiveness all wrong.
It’s not picking fights, nor is it about giving in easily – it’s that sweet spot where you voice your needs and boundaries in a respectful yet firm manner.
Think of it as being the advocate and motivational speaker for your own rights, unapologetically stating your needs with strong belief and sharp clarity.
Baby Steps to a Bolder You
You can’t just snap your fingers and become a self-advocate overnight.
Sure, it’s fantastic to be bold when it comes to your needs, but it takes time to reach that peak of confidence where asserting yourself becomes second nature and feels right whenever it’s necessary.
Start with small actions: work on assertive body language, practice speaking with confidence, and don’t be afraid to ‘fake it till you make it.’ Every little effort is a leap towards a bolder, more assertive you.
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Draw a Line in the Sand
Assertiveness starts with you – your actions, your calls.
“There are 8 billion people on Earth; you can only control one of them,” psychologist and author Randy J. Paterson says.
This means you’re the one who needs to set your worth, mark your territory, draw your lines, establish your standards, and stand by them even when others disagree.
Visualise yourself as a speaker at a conference maintaining your stance amid diverse viewpoints. This is the level of assertiveness you need to strive for in the workplace.
Be Ready for Anything
Being ready means, you’re set to shine when it’s time.
Just as a keynote speaker practices their presentation, so should you prepare for assertiveness. Plan your assertive dialogues ahead of time and be clear about your objectives.
Knowing exactly what you want is crucial for figuring out the most effective way to express it, especially when anticipating contrasting opinions.
Choosing Your Battles and Words
It’s not only about what you say, but how you choose to say it.
Whether it’s through email, over the phone, or in person, the medium influences how you mould your words to effectively communicate your needs in professional settings.
Think like a savvy motivational speaker: go for words that hit the sweet spot between empathetic and unyielding, words that are kind but firm, straightforward but not picking a fight.
The Final Step: Sticking to Your Guns
Persistence is key.
Resistance is a common reaction when you start to stand up for yourself, particularly if it’s a new side of you. Don’t let discouragement or a sense of shame creep in – standing up for yourself is an act of self-respect, not something to feel sorry about.
Hold onto the boundaries you established for yourself as firmly as a seasoned conference speaker sticks to their main point.
Remember, the world is your conference, and you are the speaker!
By Sonia McDonald – CEO of LeadershipHQ and the Outstanding Leadership Awards, Leadership Coach, Global Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur, Mum And Award Winning Author.
