Assertive Leadership: How to Be Firm and Get Positive Results

Everything, absolutely everything, is about how things are done. The way you ask for things determines the outcome and the reaction of others. Imagine how you feel when someone yells at you in front of everyone and exposes you negatively about your work.

When it comes to leadership, just because you are a boss or in charge doesn't give you the right to treat others poorly. Assertiveness is not a synonym for aggression; it is an assertive leadership that allows you to be direct and firm without losing courtesy or respect.

The Common Mistake: Demanding with Ill Will

It's very easy to decide that you have to push and demand that people comply. But why start from people's ill will instead of their good will? If you hire someone for your team, it's because you believed they have certain qualities that will allow them to successfully perform their job.

On one occasion, a person commented that their boss had asked for suggestions, but that they were going to criticize and correct them anyway, so they preferred not to waste much time if they were going to be rejected regardless. These kinds of situations cause your team to be disloyal because they don't feel you are supporting them, and their work will not be the best.

Positive Leadership That Generates Loyalty

Unlike criticism, positive motivation and polite, direct requests generate a positive reaction from your team. When you give people the opportunity to show the best they know how to do, you may be surprised to see how they flourish and deliver extraordinary results.

Reacting as if you are doing others a favor just by giving them a job is an arrogant and unassertive way to proceed to get results. If you don't manage to connect with people and get to know them deeply, it is likely that they will respond with the same lack of interest.

The Key: Communicating with Assertiveness and Intention

Assertive leadership is not at odds with sincerity. It's about communicating with good manners, without so many explanations. Thanking them for a job well done, giving sincere compliments, and looking out for your team, while remaining direct and firm, allows you to project solid leadership. The next time you want to react with a negative word or adjective, stop and think for a moment: react patiently and speak with positive words that motivate others to bring out the best in them, not the worst.

Be careful about how you ask your team for support. You will notice the results instantly, and you will have people willing to follow you and help you achieve success for all.

Ale Marroquín is a business image and protocol consultant. Certified by the International Association of Image Consultants (AICI) as an FLC (First Level Certificate), and with almost 20 years of experience in sales and client relations, Ale Marroquín advises people on how to transform their skills in areas of communication, leadership, behavior, attitude, and professional appearance. Transforming people’s image and communication!