Looking at my professional career, I went from being a silent, shy mouse to a strong, independant collaegue in only 4 months. I'm in the world of digital marketing and when my manager left the company I had to go from executing assistant to full team manager practically instantly.
The great thing about this is, that I had to step out of my comfort zone and generate results. I became more expressive about my knowledge & opinion and finally had the chance to grow as a marketeer and as a person. Hence this article to share my experience and share some tips on becoming more assertive in the office.
1. Know your strengths, skills & expertise
After being in a company for a few years, you have gained a lot of knowledge in your area and you can make your own decisions based upon own experience. Make sure you know your field and keep on analyzing and learning to obtain relevant insights.Take tests to know what your strenghts are and where you need some extra training.
2. Make yourself an important and almost essential part of the team
You have to make sure that you have skills that are unique to the team. If you only execute tasks that everyone can do, you're replaceable and won't get the respect you want. If team members notice that the whole business machine gets disturbed when you're not in the office, it will quickly become clear that they have to keep you happy and then you can slowly start working towards a promotion/more responsibilities.
3. Express your thoughts & opinions, but do it respectfully
You have every right to say what you think, especially if you know what you're talking about. BUT, always make sure you maintain a respectful attitude and tone of voice. Don't shout, think about your body language and build your opinion: use numbers and argumentation to prove your point. Don't forget to do your research upfront and be fully prepared before going into a meeting.
4. Set your own calendar, set priorities and don't be afraid to say no
Time management is one of the most important skills to have. You have make up your own calendar, set your priorities, block time frames to complete tasks and you can't always help others. If you say "yes" to every single question, you will find yourself doing the annoying, time-absorbing jobs no one wants to do. You have your own job and don't be afraid to say no (again, respectfully) if you can't do something. Be transparent and tell the other person why you can't help: no time, you don't know how, it has nothing to do with your department,...
5. Ask, ask, ASK & be very clear and specific in your expectations
Your dream job will not be handed to you on a silver platter. You will have to work for it and, more importantly, ask for it. Directors and managers on high levels will not give you a promotion on their own initiative. When you have reached a certain level of expertise, you can inform your manager about your growing ambitions. Prepare a summary of the goals you have fulfilled, the results you have achieved and your personal growth into a professional role. Be very specific about what you want, "I want to grow in the company" is too broad and open for interpretation.
Make sure you're on the same level as your manager and listen to his/her opinion and tips. Maybe your observations are completely opposite and you have to try even harder. If this is the case, trust on your gut to make a decision, maybe you don't get the respect you deserve and it's simply time to go. Or you were a bit overconfident and have to face the reality, utilize your manager's advice and tips!
All the above can help, but is no guarantee to success, nothing really is. Don't lose your ambition and bring yourself down when you don't immediately get what you want. It's a tough world and the road to success is never easy. Just make sure that if you fall 100 times, you get up 101 times and keep on going!
I hope this was interesting and it can help all you officepeople to feel better in your role!
Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Xoxo
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