Becoming More Assertive
May 11, 2015
Becoming More Assertive
Causes of Unassertiveness
Fear of rejection, humiliation, criticism or anger.
Causes of Unassertiveness
Feared consequences are projections arising from unrealistic anxieties.
Causes of Unassertiveness
When we don’t feel good about ourselves, we tend to devalue our abilities, thoughts and feelings.
Causes of Unassertiveness
Low self-esteem leads to lack of assertion.
Causes of Unassertiveness
Lack of skills needed on the job or in other situations contributes to unassertiveness.
Causes of Unassertiveness
We’re afraid of embarrassing ourselves, of looking stupid, being too aggressive or too emotional.
Causes of Unassertiveness
As we grow, we are rewarded for certain types of behaviors and punished for others.
Causes of Unassertiveness
If you don’t know yourself, you may not attain and progress in your ideal job.
Causes of Unassertiveness
If you have clear goals, you’ll have higher self-esteem and be more likely to assert yourself.
Causes of Unassertiveness
Many people fear self-assertion will displease others.
Causes of Unassertiveness
People often fear looking foolish or hurting others’ feelings.
Causes of Unassertiveness
We develop habits and continue to be unassertive because it’s familiar and easy.
Causes of Unassertiveness
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Recognize your need to change.
Take care of yourself - physical, intellectual, social and emotional needs.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Enhance your confidence - know what you can do and what you want.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Practice being assertive.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Clarify and pursue your mission.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Have a positive outlook. See the glass as half full, rather than half empty.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Put faith in your ability to make good things happen.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Challenge your irrational beliefs.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Convey the impression that you are in charge and entitled to lead.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Learn to confront and say “no.”
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Be political. Know when to open your mouth and when to keep it shut.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Maintain perspective. Don’t let what happened yesterday affect what will happen tomorrow.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Watch your body language.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Present yourself positively. Claim the recognition that is rightfully yours.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Ask for what you want.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Participate in meetings and other group activities.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Learn from colleagues and friends you feel are assertive.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Associate with positive, supportive people.
Actions Toward Assertiveness
Becoming More Assertive