Unlock the Secret Social Skills That Make Everyone Hang on Your Every Word—Backed by Psychology!
5) Respectful assertiveness
I’ve always believed that respect is a two-way street. If you want others to respect you, you must first show respect to them. And this principle applies perfectly when it comes to communication.
But, there’s a fine line between being respectful and being a pushover. That’s where assertiveness comes in.
Assertiveness is about expressing your thoughts and feelings in a confident yet respectful manner. It’s about standing up for yourself without stepping on others.
I’ve seen firsthand how effective it can be. For instance, during a team meeting, I disagreed with a proposed plan. Instead of keeping quiet or bulldozing my own ideas, I voiced my concerns respectfully, explaining my reasons and suggesting alternatives.