Assertiveness is a valuable quality in any person, but it’s especially crucial for those involved in a family business. Being aggressive can help you succeed in a family business, which can be a challenging and stressful setting.
But the big question is – what does it mean to be assertive and how to develop and practise assertiveness?
What is assertiveness?
To be assertive is to be able to state one’s opinion calmly, confidently, and politely. It requires taking a position for what you believe in while simultaneously being sensitive to the needs of others. There are two common opposites to assertiveness: passivity (not speaking up for oneself) and aggressiveness (being confrontational and disrespectful).
When it comes to family companies, why is assertiveness so crucial?
Emotions run high in family enterprises because family members are required to work together in an enterprise that has close personal ties. Confidence in handling these feelings is key to building a productive, peaceful workplace. Some examples of why boldness is crucial in family companies are :
Communication: Communicating clearly and effectively requires a certain level of assertiveness. It’s important for family company owners to communicate openly and honestly to avoid the misunderstandings and tensions that might arise from unstated assumptions and expectations. When members of a family are able to communicate their needs, wants, and desires to one another in a direct and polite manner, they are better able to avoid misunderstandings and settle disputes.
Creating Boundaries: Limits The barriers between private and public life can become porous in family-run firms. Family members can establish fair limits on their responsibilities and obligations when they learn to assert themselves. When family members feel valued and respected in their roles, resentment and conflict are less likely to emerge.
Resolution of conflict: Conflict is normal in any business, but it can be especially difficult in a family firm because of the inherent personal dynamics. When members of a family are forceful, they are able to resolve disagreements amicably and effectively. More significant problems, such as family strife or legal disputes, can be avoided as a result.
Making choices: In a family business, there are usually several people with vested interests and priorities. One strategy to help family members avoid making judgments based on hidden agendas or biases is to teach them how to be more forceful in expressing their thoughts and preferences.
How to learn and use forceful language and behaviour?
Being assertive is a trait that can be honed through experience and training. Here are some suggestions for learning and using assertive communication skills:
Establish your own priorities and needs. To be aggressive, you must first know what you want and what you value. Think about the things that are truly essential to you, both in your career and personal life. You’ll be able to express your wants and preferences with more clarity and tact.
Active listening is a crucial skill for effective assertive communication, therefore make it a habit to practise it. Paying close attention, asking questions to ensure understanding, and restating the speaker’s main points are all part of active listening. This not only informs the other person that their viewpoint is valued, but it also helps eliminate confusion.
Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements to convey your wants and needs. For instance, “You never listen to me” can be replaced with “I get frustrated when I don’t feel heard.” This shifts the emphasis from laying blame on the other person to considering your own reactions and experiences.
Define your limits Assertiveness typically entails defining your limits in terms of what you can and cannot do. Respectfully and clearly communicate these limits, and maintain them consistently.
Learn to reject offers: In a family business, where lines between work and personal life tend to blur, saying “no” can be especially challenging. Saying no is difficult, but it’s necessary for your personal health and to avoid burnout. Learn to respectfully and clearly express your refusal while providing viable alternatives and working toward a mutually agreeable outcome.
Gain experience in low-pressure settings: Learning to be more assertive can be scary if you’re not used to being vocal about what you want. It’s best to get your feet wet with friends or coworkers in low-stakes scenarios before tackling the big leagues.
Soliciting Opinions If you want to improve your assertiveness, talk to people you trust, like friends, family, and coworkers. You can use this information to figure out what needs fixing and adjust your strategy accordingly.
To conclude, members of a family company need to be able to stand up for themselves. Setting limits, resolving problems, and making educated judgments can all benefit from this. Taking the time and making the effort to become more aggressive can lead to a more peaceful and prosperous family company. You can become more assertive and effective in your job as a family business member by recognising your wants and values, listening actively, using “I” statements, establishing clear boundaries, saying no when required, practising in low-stakes situations, and asking for feedback.
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