0It can often be hard to speak your mind at work, especially if you are naturally reserved in social situations. Being assertive in the workplace, however, is an important communication skill. Psychologists have found that those who learn how to productively speak their minds at their place of employment do better at work, have more free time, and have healthier personal relationships. Even if assertiveness doesn't come naturally to you, it is a skill you can learn.
Building Confidence
1.Start small. If you don't feel confident speaking your mind at work, it might not be the best idea to dive right in by volunteering for a major presentation or asking the boss for a big raise. Instead, start with something smaller.
- For example, if you were promised some new supplies, like a new monitor for your desk, but your supervisor has forgotten about it or hasn't gotten around to it, make a polite request for those items you've already been promised.
2.Celebrate your successes. When you achieve something important at work, don't keep it to yourself. You don't want to brag too much, but recognizing your own achievements (and having others recognize them) is important to building your self-confidence.
- Getting in the habit of self-reward and self-acknowledgement will help you feel your own worth and value.
3.Pretend you are confident. Even if you don't feel it inside, pretending like you are confident can make you feel more confident, especially if you make a habit of it.
- For example, try to smile at your coworkers, and look them in the eye. Walk with some spring in your step, like you're heading somewhere important.
- Dressing with authority can also make you feel more authoritative. Pick out clothes that are true to your own style and personality, but also convey the idea that you are a professional.
- This strategy can both make you feel more confident, and can also lead others to treat you with more respect, which can likewise help boost your confidence.
4.Practice daily. Think about day-to-day situations in which you often feel uncertain of yourself or hesitant to speak your mind, and look for an opportunity to practice acting confident and speaking up every day.
5.Engage in self-reflection. It's important to spend some time thinking about tasks or discussions to which you could contribute more, areas where you are strong, and areas where you have room for improvement.
6.Dismiss unfounded criticism. If someone at work criticizes you by saying something that isn't true or isn't fair, try not to dwell on it.
- Time spent obsessing over criticism that isn't constructive can damage your confidence. It's also a waste of energy.
Speaking Effectively
1.Think about what you want to say. An important part of assertiveness is clear communication. Whether you are speaking up at a meeting, having a one-on-one with your boss, or participating in a team project, you will communicate more clearly and effectively if you've given some thought to what you want to say first.
If you have to present your ideas at a meeting or in some similar forum, do some research on the topic first. If you are well informed about your topic, you will likely be seen as more authoritative, and probably feel more confident.
2.Manage your volume. A soft, quiet voice will be some as a lack of confidence or authority. Try to speak up so that your words will be taken more seriously.
- This may also take some practice on your part.
- Do not yell. While it is important to make your voice heard, you don't want to be seen as disrespectful or overbearing.
3.Manage your pacing. Speaking too quickly can make you appear nervous and also make it harder to keep up with what you're saying. Speaking too slowly can make you appear dull or cause your audience to lose interest.
- It is perfectly acceptable to pause for a drink of water if you need a second to gather your thoughts or let your audience catch up.
- If you'll be doing a lot of public speaking, consider recording yourself as you practice your presentations. This will help give you a better sense of whether your pacing is effective.
