3 simple rules to become an assertive man

Sub-assertive men are nice, friendly guys. One drawback for you, being a excellent team player, is that your own personal interests is regularly under pressure. Want to get rid of that? Then be loyal to yourself and be inspired by these 3 simple ideas.

I share this with you because strengthening assertiveness is a common question for male professionals.

Do not hesitate to speak out

This is immediately the most important rule. Speaking out makes you the open door you need to be – it prevents you from bottling everything up. Of course, you don’t always have to say everything you think, but when something seems important to you to mention, you feel something strongly or have a particular opinion: speak it out.

Show that initiative and don’t hold back your own statements. Not to your partner, not in meetings. Ask questions if it’s not clear to you.

Do at your workplace: post your statement, and leave it at that. Don’t spend half an hour explaining why you think something is this way or that way (brief explanations will do, of course). Never excuse yourself for your statements. They are yours, so they can be there.

Take responsibility for yourself

Have you made your choice, made your statement? then stick to it. Of course you may change your mind, but in any case, always stand behind your own choices and actions. Take responsibility if things go wrong, explain if anyone has questions or concerns. In short: stand your ground.

It is important to do so primarily with yourself and your own actions and not those of others. Other people’s problems are not your problems.

Of course, offering help is okay, but never bear their responsibility, because then you are being “too nice,” and only making the burden too heavy for your shoulders to bear.

Moreover, taking over other person’s problems does little to help the other person. Staying out of it and just offering a helping hand works much better and healthier for both parties.

Is it time to become more assertive? Then our 1-on-1 assertiveness training ‘in 40 days more assertive’ is a good option for you

See yourself as an equal

Always see yourself as an equal; in your marriage, toward your boss, with a domineering cousin and annoying colleagues. You are no more or less than any of them is. And no living person is more than or less than you are. Everyone has the same rights and duties, that’s how our society is.

Of course hierarchies exist, especially in work life. But a leader can also be assertive and equal, just like someone in the workplace – it makes for the best leaders and the healthiest relationships.