When we talk about leadership, we always emphasize those attitudes and skills that are significant for the proper exercise of the role. To this end, we have held workshops and courses aimed at strengthening these potentials. Many times we incorporate new styles and ways of being able to delegate and apply empowerment. The theme of motivation, its theories and application development with our group. All these tools are practiced and incorporated in our courses and workshops.
Today another concept is important, which is comprehensive of the previous ones: What is assertiveness at work? It is important to develop this aspect in order to understand how to carry out our task as leaders today.
To start with this development, what is being assertive? The word assertiveness is derived from the Latin asserere, assertum, which means "to affirm." Thus, assertiveness means affirmation of one's personality, self-confidence, self-esteem, poise, safe and efficient communication. In practice, an assertive person:
a) You feel free to express yourself in the most appropriate way and according to the situation. This brings us back to the situational leadership styles we learned: they are neither good nor bad, they are functional or dysfunctional in relation to the situation, context, and person. When one expresses himself freely, he can make the other understand what he wants to transmit in the most effective way.
b) Communication is effective, clear and with good feedback.
c) The assertive person has clear goals. She knows where she is going and what she wants to achieve. This is called congruence. It is aligned with what is wanted, and the necessary resources are implemented to establish a clear guideline towards those proposed goals.
d) You know you cannot always win, but the importance lies in the effort to reach your goals. If not, take the time to reformulate the path and re-direct new strategies to follow. She is not discouraged in the face of failure, she reformulates, resignifies and continues.
e) Establish a communication with a delicate style of speech, taking care of yourself, without offending the interlocutor. These characteristics can be developed in the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution modules, which we practice with specific and current cases.
Some guidelines to keep in mind:
1) Be well oriented towards possible goals, establishing clear guidelines to follow.
2) Develop communication skills and abilities, self-control, and development and adaptation to the work environment, with discipline and respect for myself and others.
3) Control of emotions: Very important aspect when defining situations. Keep in mind that the lack of emotional control generates discomfort, delays and misunderstandings with our bosses and coworkers.
4) Learn to negotiate: From birth, we negotiate different things and with different people. First in our family, then in the school stage and then in the workplace and personal and intimate.
It is important to be clear that assertion implies neither passivity nor aggressiveness, and that the ability to be assertive provides important benefits. Increase self-respect and the satisfaction of doing something with enough capacity to increase confidence and self-confidence. It improves the social position, acceptance and respect of others, in the sense that an acknowledgment of one's ability to assert our personal rights is made.
The advantage of learning and practicing assertive behaviors is that messages are delivered to others by expressing opinions and showing consideration. Feelings of security and social recognition are achieved. Assertive behavior certainly helps maintain high self-esteem.
