With the “Ban Bossy” campaign picking up steam, it’s helping to empower women everywhere – including the workplace. But according to a recent Huffington Post article, women lead only 4.2 percent of our largest public corporations, make up only 14 percent of top officers in corporate America and fill a measly 18 percent of board seats. These statistics show the gender bias in today’s workplace, which is why it’s so important for women to assert themselves in their work environment.
Being a female in a male dominated industry can be very challenging. In my years of orchestrating work crews full of men, I’ve learned that you absolutely must be assertive. Many people tend to mistake kindness for exploitable weakness, but if you stay clear and firm in your direction, others will learn to take you seriously.
Communication is key in any task. In order to communicate assertively, here are some guidelines:
1. Be Direct in Your Communication
Be as open and honest as possible in expressing your feelings while respecting the other person’s feelings or beliefs. You can’t assume that others can read your mind!
2. Keep Your Cool
No matter the situation you’re in, keep your composure. Nothing’s worse than letting your emotions get the best of you in the heat of the moment, it’s a sure sign of weakness.
3. Set Healthy Limits
Don’t do anything that you’re not comfortable with for the sake of being the “good guy.” Let people know your expectations, likes and dislikes. Setting boundaries will add clarity to relationships and prevent unwelcomed behavior.
4. Don’t Doubt Yourself
If you don’t have confidence in yourself, how do you expect anyone else to? Try to speak with conviction and never self-deprecate, even when joking! By belittling yourself, you’re setting the stage for others to do the same.
5. Speak Up
In order to assert yourself, you must speak loudly and firmly when conveying your message. Don’t give anyone the opportunity to speak over you.
Sabine H. Schoenberg is the founder of SabinesHome, a rapidly growing company, which provides in depth information on home design and home goods based on Sabine’s vast product knowledge. Her many years of designing, building and selling high-end homes has made her an expert in the field.
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