The ASSERTIVE LEADER! As a leader, being assertive can be a crucial skill to have. Assertiveness allows leaders to communicate effectively, make decisions confidently, and inspire their team to achieve success. However, for many leaders, being assertive doesn’t come naturally. It takes practice and intentionality to develop this skill. In this blog, we’ll explore why assertiveness is important for leaders and provide some tips for becoming more assertive.

The Benefits of Assertiveness

Before we dive into how to become more assertive, let’s take a look at why assertiveness is important for leaders.

Firstly, assertiveness allows leaders to communicate their expectations and ideas clearly. When leaders are assertive, they speak with confidence and clarity, leaving little room for misinterpretation. This helps their team understand what is expected of them and what goals they are working towards.

Secondly, assertiveness allows leaders to make decisions with confidence. Assertive leaders are more likely to take decisive action because they trust their judgment and are not afraid to take risks. This can be crucial when facing difficult or unexpected situations.

Finally, assertiveness can inspire a team to achieve success. When a leader is confident and clear about their expectations, their team is more likely to feel motivated and inspired. This can lead to a more productive and successful team.

Tips for Becoming More Assertive

Now that we’ve explored the benefits of assertiveness, let’s take a look at some tips for becoming more assertive as a leader.

1. Practice Active Listening

Active listening is a key component of assertive communication. When you actively listen to others, you show them that you respect their opinions and are open to their ideas. This can help build trust and rapport, which can make it easier for you to be assertive when necessary.

2. Be Clear and Direct

Assertive leaders are clear and direct in their communication. When you need to communicate a message, be concise and to the point. Use simple language and avoid using ambiguous or vague language. This will help ensure that your message is understood and that there is no confusion.

3. Stand Your Ground

Being assertive also means standing your ground and not letting others push you around. This doesn’t mean being aggressive or confrontational. Instead, it means being firm in your beliefs and not backing down when faced with opposition. This can be challenging, but it is an important skill for any leader to develop.

4. Be Confident

Confidence is key to being assertive. When you are confident in yourself and your abilities, you are more likely to communicate with clarity and conviction. This can help inspire your team and build trust in your leadership.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

Finally, becoming more assertive takes practice. Don’t be afraid to try new communication techniques and strategies. Ask for feedback from your team and be open to constructive criticism. With time and practice, you can become a more assertive and effective leader.

Five great leaders recognised for their ASSERTIVENESS

• Angela Merkel
• Jeff Bezos
• Winston Churchill
• Steve Jobs
• Margaret Thatcher

Being assertive as a leader is an important skill that can help you communicate effectively, make decisions confidently, and inspire your team to achieve success. By practicing active listening, being clear and direct, standing your ground, being confident, and practicing, you can develop this skill and become a more effective leader.