Assertiveness
What is it?
Assertiveness measures whether people are inclined to proactively assume wide responsibility, take charge, and lead others. A notably assertive individual is convinced that she/he should be in charge, and that both individual and group outcomes will be optimized when she/he is granted group-level decision making discretion, leadership status, authority to delegate, and authority to set or heavily influence organizational objectives.
As such, high Assertiveness might be characterized, at least in part, as self efficacy for leadership in general (Amos & Klimoski, 2014). High Assertiveness scorers may also be seen as confident, aggressive, and decisive, while low scorers are likely perceived as tentative, passive, reserved, or indecisive and more comfortable deferring to and following the lead of other individuals or groups.
An assertive leader is someone who communicates clearly and confidently, while respecting the needs and opinions of others. They are self-aware, goal-oriented, and skilled problem-solvers who inspire confidence in their team members and achieve results through collaboration and cooperation.
How might you develop it?
Developing assertiveness can be challenging for shy or introverted leaders, but it is certainly possible. Here are some tips:
Practice active listening: Being a good listener is an important aspect of assertiveness. Take the time to really listen to what others are saying, and respond thoughtfully and respectfully
Use "I" statements: When expressing your thoughts or opinions, use "I" statements instead of "you" statements. This helps to convey your message without sounding accusatory or confrontational
Take small steps: Start by practicing assertiveness in low-risk situations, such as expressing your opinion in a small group setting or asking for clarification on a task. As you become more comfortable, gradually take on more challenging situations
Set boundaries: Assertiveness also means setting boundaries and saying "no" when necessary. Practice setting boundaries in a respectful way that communicates your needs while still respecting the needs of others
Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from colleagues or an executive coach to help identify areas for improvement and track your progress
Develop your confidence: Work on building your confidence through activities such as public speaking, networking, and seeking out new challenges. Practice positive self-talk and focus on your strengths and accomplishments
Remember that developing assertiveness is a process that takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your successes along the way.