4 Tips For Being an Assertive Woman in Business   

Being an assertive woman in the modern world comes with its challenges. Especially if you work in a business environment where there are still some professionals who believe that women don’t have the same right of authority as their male peers. Unfortunately, some women still fall victim to this in their everyday lives, and this mentality often prevents women from sharing their opinions and speaking out or even worse, they’re looked down upon if they’re too assertive.

Certainly, at the office, this type of approach should be dealt with accordingly. Here are four tips on how to stand your ground firmly during all those moments you feel like you have just been trapped in an archaic world of reasoning.

Deal with Disrespect in Private
If you are a woman in the corporate workplace, it is important to remember that the odds can be stacked against you at times. There is still a type of thinking that says certain positions are only for men. This unfortunately leads to is the occasional male colleague (or even female colleague) disrespecting you in the hope of presenting you in an unfavorable light. The best way to deal with this is to remain gracious and have your confrontations in private. Making a scene could reflect poorly on your professional image. By being discreet, you will gain more rapport with your colleagues and not give anyone the pleasure of humiliating you.

Dress Appropriately
One of the main issues women have to face at the office is sexual harassment (Yes, this is still an issue). Sexual harassment can happen at the workplace in everyday situations not just as a one-off offense. Truth be told, you are always free to dress the way you wish to, but the best way to express your confidence is to dress professionally for every situation. By doing so, you will command respect and send a message that you are here to work. So, make sure that your clothes are ironed, that you are not showing too much skin, and that you overdress rather than underdress for every occasion. This will create an aura of power around you that says you are not to be trifled with.

Speak with Eloquence
There has been an unfortunate growing tendency in recent years to curse or speak impolitely in all sorts of public situations. Being assertive does not mean that you need to use profanity or insults. In fact, you will generate much more power from your words if you utilize restraint.

The key to being an assertive woman is to be classy and respectful. Using carefully chosen words and a more sophisticated level of discourse will reinforce your image as a professional woman who is neither gullible or submissive. That’s how you take on a male-dominated society: your articulate  way of speaking will draw attention to the strong belief in the words you utter, and showcase that you will not be easily daunted or bullied. 

Limit Alcohol Consumption
One of the best ways to be assertive in your career (and in life, by the way) is to be aware of your alcohol intake at company events and social situations, and limit the number of cocktails you have. Women (and men) who drink too much at corporate events lose credibility with colleagues. This is something that is not going to change any time soon. By becoming too intoxicated, you create a negative perception of yourself. Additionally, you may be more prone to making impulsive decisions and giving in to pressure, and that obviously cripples the image of a self-assured female. Of course, it’s acceptable to enjoy a fine wine; however, be sure to do so using discretion, decorum, and professionalism.

Golden Rules for Conducting Yourself Wisely at Work 

Being a woman in a man’s world is complex, particularly for those of us dedicated to climbing the corporate ladder, who often have to deal with lack of professionalism or even blatant disrespect coming from the other gender. However, social gatherings – including those at the workplace — may also serve as a platform to make sure our voice does not get lost in the sea of male commentary. One way to “make your case” more successfully, every day, is to fight your battles with eloquence and poise, while attired appropriately, and showing that, at office gatherings, you can enjoy a drink or two without becoming out of control.

These are just some of the first steps you can take towards establishing your position as a woman who knows her worth and won’t back off under pressure. Conducting yourself this way makes your assertiveness command respect – and puts you on a path to being respected and even admired by colleagues and management.