Leaders only Assert
A growing number of us are either aggressive or passive in behavior. Authentic leaders always assert themselves. They avoid the danger zones of being submissive or by pushing their way around, barring exceptional situations.
Followers largely demonstrate a more pushover or rebellious attitude. Moreover, many of them are unable to differentiate between aggressive and assertive behaviors.
Being assertive is being emotionally intelligent. Assertiveness requires an understanding of your needs, issues, concerns, challenges, feelings, as well as theirs.
Assertiveness also means –
- understanding others’ perspectives
- negotiating meaningfully
- progressing situations than stalling or derailing, and
- strengthening relationships.
When the passive folks assert themselves, they are often perceived as ‘…he/she has suddenly become aggressive!’ On the contrary, when the aggressive folks assert themselves, they are seen as ‘…he/she has mellowed down.’
The key here is to not give up. Even if you have been largely in the danger zones in the past, it is never too late to start asserting yourself.
It is important to start these today. It is going to get difficult to start tomorrow. It may be impossible to start the day after.
