The last one is to be assertive. Are you assertive or aggressive? Watch out for a small clip below to understand how we often confuse assertiveness with aggression and why being assertive is beneficial for every individual. We've all had moments when we've failed to speak up for ourselves and said yes when we really wanted to say no. No matter how self-assured you are most of us wonder if perhaps Perhaps we couldn't be just a bit more assertive in situations. But here's the thing. Most of us grow up believing that assertiveness is not a desirable trait. We actually avoid being assertive. We don't want people to think that we're pushy or domineering. For most, assertiveness means being forceful and in your face, saying what you think no matter what. But that's not assertiveness, that's aggression. People often associate aggressiveness with assertiveness, but the two are extremely different. In our attempts to avoid being assertive, we can become passive and being too passive can leave you feeling powerless. If you don't speak up for yourself, refuse to make decisions or let others dictate your actions, people start to view you as a pushover or someone who lacks confidence. Neither of these are advantageous, especially in the workplace. But how assertive are you? Ask yourself these questions. Are you able to say no when you don't want to do something? Do you speak up when your opinions are different from others? Or is it your way or the highway Admitting that you might be passive or too aggressive is tough but it the first step in becoming more assertive when someone is assertive they appear and sound confident people listen to their opinions. if you're not naturally assertive it can take some effort but being more assertive is not impossible. yes it's easier for you to swallow your feelings, scream at someone or give them the silent treatment but assertiveness is a much better strategy luckily a certainness is a learned action it's learned through practice this course will provide you with the knowledge skills and confidence to become more assertive taking control of your life in the process let us consider a scenario where your team member asks you to stay back and help her with the work that she has fallen fallen behind on, on a Friday evening. But you have also promised your friend a couple of weeks ago that you would go to a football match the same evening. How do you think you would respond? A. Sure, I can stay back and help you with this. And you will cancel your plans with your friend. B. No, I am not going to help you. It is not my fault that you don't plan your work better and are always delayed on your timeline. C. Sure, I will help you for today. And then you murmur to yourself, now I am going to deliberately delay all my work timelines and ask her to complete them for me D I am sorry I won be able to stay back today as I have certain personal commitments but I can come in early on Monday and help you with the same These are four basic styles of communication If you choose option A, then your communication style is passive. It is a style in which individuals have developed a pattern of avoiding expressing their opinions or feelings, protecting their rights, and identifying and meeting their needs. If you choose option B, then your communication style is aggressive. It is a style in which individuals express their feelings and opinions and advocate for their needs in a way that violates the rights of others. If you choose option C, then your communication style is passive-aggressive. It is a style in which individuals appear passive on the surface but are really acting out anger in a subtle, indirect or behind-the-scenes way. In other words, they feel incapable of dealing directly with the object of their resentments. If you choose option D, then your communication style is assertive. It is a style in which individuals clearly state their opinions and feelings and firmly advocate for their rights and needs without violating the rights of others. Setting up healthy boundaries is an important aspect of assertiveness as it lets people know what you willing and unwilling to put up with Here are some techniques for being assertive in the workplace Learn to say no People pleasing may seem like a good trait to have but it eventually leads to burnout because it often requires putting the needs of others ahead of yours. It is okay to say no and say so in a calm and positive manner without offering any explanation. Be decisive. Say what you mean and mean what you say by acting in ways that do not go against the stance that you took. Choose clear and positive communication. Articulate your needs in a positive manner. Use statements like, thank you for thinking of me but I am going to say no this time. Unfortunately, I cannot help you right now as I have pending tasks on my plate. Maybe next time? I respect your opinion but let's agree to disagree. I know you didn't mean it but I feel offended by your comment. Being assertive means finding the right balance between passiveness and aggression. Practice assertiveness by identifying your needs and wants and expressing them in a positive manner without discarding the opinions of others. In the next and the last module of this course we will walk you through certain tools or systems that you can use to collaborate efficiently with your team members and what are the best practices one must follow stay tuned thank you for joining us