Being assertive is one of the best characteristics employers look for in their new employees. Do you ever wonder why? Individuals who have assertiveness manage stress and anger better. Also, they have better communication skills. So, if you want to have leverage, learn to be assertive. Understand the benefits of enrolling in assertiveness training.
Assertiveness and Passiveness
Assertiveness focuses on mutual respect. However, it is not similar to being passive as well. A passive attitude is nonassertive in many ways. At first, it might look like you are simply shy. Sometimes, it reflects an overly easy going character. These people focus on avoiding conflicts. For example, you’ll just go with the flow. Whatever the group or majority decides, you follow.
Unfortunately, it is not a positive behavior for employers. Your shyness allows your colleagues to ignore what you want and need. In addition, it is like you’re selling yourself short. Therefore, nobody gives importance to your thoughts and feelings.
Another situation is you fail to deny a request from coworkers. Someone asks you to take cover for them. But despite your hectic schedule, you still agree with them. Unfortunately, it leads you to have another workload on your shoulder. As a result, you work overtime and miss out on important events in your family.
Being passive poisons your relationship and increases internal conflict. Your idea of avoiding conflict and keeping peace with others results in emotional turmoil on your end. That’s why it matters to undergo assertiveness training. It helps you gain a more balanced lifestyle. Moreover, you can explain yourself to others clearly. But this time, without damaging your reputation and hurting their feelings.
Assertiveness and Aggressiveness
On the other hand, aggressiveness is the complete opposite of passiveness. Still, it is not what your new boss wants to hire.
Being aggressive often displays a bully nature. These individuals ignore the opinions, feelings, and needs of the people around them. Moreover, they have an air of superiority and are self-righteous. As a result, colleagues easily get intimidated and scared. Worst, overly aggressive coworkers embarrass and pose a threat to others.
Most think that aggressiveness brings everything you need at your fingertips. But sadly, it comes with a devastating price. Your hostility weakens trust among your coworkers. Also, you’ll most likely not gain mutual respect from them. Sadly, some of your colleagues might resent you. Thus, they oppose or avoid interacting with you.
No wonder employers opt to hire assertive applicants. These individuals are more open to changes and opinions. They listen first before they voice their thoughts. That’s why they never compromise their own feelings and insult others. Are you a passive or an aggressive individual? If you want to secure your next job, take assertiveness training.
Perks of Assertiveness Training
Assertiveness training does not only apply to your job hunting. Having this behavior aids you in your daily life. Utilize the assertion techniques with your partner, family, friends, and even workmates. For sure, every day will be your best day.
Furthermore, taking an assertiveness training from Development Academy brings out the best in you. Let’s understand why.
Self-protection
Assertive communication lets you set limits respectfully. You can express your emotions within comfortable boundaries. You can decide for yourself, especially what you will and won’t do.
If you enroll in assertiveness training, you create firm boundaries for yourself. Also, it helps you remind others of your capacity and limitations. Thus, you maintain control while under challenging situations. Plus, it keeps you away from feelings of frustration and resentment.
Become more trustworthy
If employers want an honest opinion, they go to assertive workers. If they look for you, it means your boss trusts your thoughts. You give out honest and straight-to-the-point answers without insulting others. Thus, it helps them decide for the welfare of everybody.
Assertiveness training sets you apart from giving passive answers. The latter often feeds answers with white lies or omissions. Their vague response reflects how untrustworthy they are. On the other hand, aggressiveness brings out frightening and dishonesty. Thus, your boss is least likely to trust you.
Relieves stress
In workplace communication, passiveness prevents you from speaking up. Instead of rejecting another workload, you pile it next to your current job. Thus, it overwhelms you and stresses you out.
Meanwhile, aggressiveness triggers stress as well. Your coworkers will have less inclination to collaborate with you. Also, your lack of care about others’ feelings and needs results in you working alone. Unfortunately, you don’t get support from others.
But with resilience training, work and communication flow seamlessly. As a result, you’re least likely to feel pressed about your obligations.
Wards off conflict
Let’s face it. One way or another, you get annoyed with your workmates. Having a passive reaction prevents you from conflict at the moment. Meanwhile, aggression leads to more trouble. But if you assert your opinions respectfully, you avoid a rise of inevitable conflict.
Moreover, assertiveness is better communication. It saves you from resenting the words you said. Also, politely expressing your opinions prevents you from straining relationships. Luckily, you can attain the best behavior through assertiveness training.
Be more confident
Assertiveness training elevates your self-esteem. With your increased satisfaction with work relationships, you gain self-respect. In addition, knowing that others value your ideas makes you more comfortable expressing yourself.
As they say, you earn respect when you give one. Showing your assertive attitude means you respect the needs and feelings of others. As a result, they feel safe sharing their opinions and return the same thing to you. Therefore, you have more open communication with your colleagues.
Once you accomplish the assertiveness training, you’ll see the results in your relationships with others. It may take more time, but your efforts will surely be worth it.
