Use Assertiveness Skills to Get the Promotion You Deserve

There are many instances wherein people are appropriate for a promotion, but fail to get recognized by their boss, superior, or company. If you have been in this situation or are in one now, it can be troubling not to mention quite confusing.

It's confusing because for as far back as you can remember, you've been taught by your mother, teacher, professor, your mentor that if you work hard, you will be rewarded. And now that you've put in the effort and shown real signs of dedication, you feel as though you've been left out in the cold.

Sadly the guidance your advice-givers have given you over the years failed to mention that sometimes hard work is not enough. Sometimes, especially in the corporate world, you need to learn how to be assertive if you wish to seek career growth. You have to stand up for what you have deservingly earned and assert yourself.

Asserting yourself does not mean becoming aggressive. There is a difference between assertiveness and aggression. Aggressiveness makes a person hostile and causes them to defend themselves in an unpleasing manner. An aggressive person who acts this way usually loses the respect and reverence of his supervisors, and with that, any ability to negotiate.

In contrast, assertiveness skills have to do with communication development. You try to win your side by presenting the facts and asking for the right deal using the right approach. Being assertive simply means getting what you deserve and still maintaining a level of respect with your superiors.

Now, how can you use assertive communication skills to successfully get the promotion or raise you desire?

Step 1 - Be prepared. This means figuring out exactly what you want. If you want a promotion, what position do you want? If you desire a raise, exactly how much of a raise do you desire? Strictly no beating around the bush

Being prepared also means being ready to meet with your boss. Know what you are going to say and how you are going to say it. Try to imagine how you would want the scene to play out. Remember that it should be a peaceful, straight to the point discussion.

Step 2 - Be open minded. Listen to your boss and understand what he is saying. If you disagree with something he or she says, keep it in mind but don't interrupt. Let him have the floor and see the situation from your boss' point of you. If you are confused or unsure about a statement, ask for an elaboration.

Step 3 - Acknowledge your boss' point of view. Acknowledge to your boss that you were paying attention and that you understand what he said. Communication is effective when the conversation moves back and forth correctly with a speaker, message, listener, and feedback. Give your boss feedback.

Step 4 - Make your point. Now it is time to discuss your case. Let your boss know why you want and deserve the promotion or raise. Use the 4 C's of successful arguing - be concise, clear, coherent and complete. Do not whine or ramble. Maintain a steady composure throughout the meeting, interrupting only if the need arises.

Step 5 - Come to an agreement. At this stage, don't back down or get overly aggressive. Stay relaxed and maintain composure. Be open to a compromise. Compromise doesn't mean you lost the negotiation, it simply shows that you are ready and mature enough to meet halfway. In fact, it is a win-win situation for both of you and this is what developing assertiveness skills is all about.

So if in your career or job, you feel your boss or supervisor is not acknowleding your hard work, don't mope around waiting for something to happen. More than likely, nothing will happen. And if something does, it will be you building up negative feelings and attitudes towards your work. Instead, stand up and assert yourself. Use the assertiveness skills in this article to get the raise or promotion you rightfully deserve. You will be glad you did!