Assertiveness is a core communication skill that helps you express your opinions positively and with confidence and stand up for your point of view while respecting the rights and beliefs of others. Being assertive is a better and healthier communication style that helps to boost your self-esteem and earn others’ respect.
There are so many benefits associated with being assertive but most importantly, it helps you keep people from taking advantage of you and also prevents you from acting like a bully to others.
Generally, when you are assertive, you tend to:
Be a better manager: You get things done by treating people with fairness and respect, and others treat you the same in return.
Take action and solve problems: You feel empowered to do whatever it takes to find the best solution to the problems that you encounter.
Be less anxious and stressed: Most times, you are self-assured and don’t feel threatened or victimized when things don’t go as planned or as expected.
Benefits of Being Assertive
Improved Self-Image
How you view yourself affects how you view others. When you become assertive, you adopt a realistic self-image, hence, you do not see yourself as superior to others, and you do not see others as being superior to you.
This shows that you are of equal value to others and you realize that everybody in the world has their own opinions and preferences so; you will not always be able to have your preferences met.
Better Understanding of Others
When you are assertive, you learn to view others in a more realistic context.
This means that you do not see others as a threat; rather you understand that they are simply trying to achieve their goals.
Easy Communication
Mutual understanding and respect breed assertiveness; hence, it is an effective and diplomatic communication style.
Being assertive helps you effectively express your feelings when communicating with others about issues.
Increased Productivity
There is increased productivity in organizations because when team members are assertive, there will be less spent on debates and arguments.
Instead, team members can maximize the time to generate creative ideas and work towards achieving organizational goals.
Improved Self-Confidence
The more assertive you become, the more confident you become about who you are and what you want. You gain a better awareness of your values, your beliefs, your likes, and your dislikes.
There is a greater level of respect for your opinions when you are assertive because you freely express them while considering the opinions of others as well.
This builds your confidence and saves you from spending time going over what you wished you had said.
Saves Time and Energy
When you become assertive, you express your views clearly, and resolving the issue happens there and then. You do not need to spend time and energy thinking about the issue unless it reoccurs at a later stage. This helps you channel your time and energy to other aspects of your life.
In conclusion, assertive communication is direct and respectful, hence giving you the chance to deliver your message successfully.
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