What do you do if you're struggling to build assertiveness and confidence through executive coaching?

1 Identify the root causes

The first step to building assertiveness and confidence is to understand what is preventing you from being more assertive and confident in the first place. Is it fear of rejection, criticism, or conflict? Is it lack of self-esteem, self-awareness, or self-compassion? Is it a limiting belief, a negative mindset, or a habitual pattern? By identifying the root causes of your struggle, you can work with your executive coach to address them and create a plan to overcome them.

2 Practice the skills

The second step to building assertiveness and confidence is to practice the skills that will help you communicate more effectively and assertively. These skills include active listening, empathic responding, respectful feedback, clear requests, constructive criticism, and positive reinforcement. You can practice these skills with your executive coach, who can give you feedback, guidance, and support. You can also practice these skills in real-life situations, such as meetings, negotiations, presentations, or conversations. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become.

3 Challenge yourself

The third step to building assertiveness and confidence is to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. This can mean speaking up more often, sharing your opinions more openly, asking for what you want or need, saying no when necessary, or taking on more responsibility or leadership. By challenging yourself, you will discover new strengths, abilities, and opportunities. You will also learn from your mistakes, feedback, and successes. You will grow as a leader and as a person.

4 Celebrate your achievements

The fourth step to building assertiveness and confidence is to celebrate your achievements and recognize your progress. You can do this by keeping a journal, a log, or a tracker of your assertiveness and confidence goals, actions, and outcomes. You can also share your achievements with your executive coach, your colleagues, your friends, or your family. By celebrating your achievements, you will reinforce your positive behaviors, boost your motivation, and increase your self-esteem.

5 Seek support

The fifth step to building assertiveness and confidence is to seek support from others who can help you along your journey. This can include your executive coach, who can provide you with expert advice, accountability, and encouragement. It can also include your peers, mentors, role models, or allies, who can offer you inspiration, feedback, or collaboration. By seeking support, you will not feel alone or isolated in your struggle. You will also benefit from different perspectives, insights, and experiences.

6 Keep learning

The sixth step to building assertiveness and confidence is to keep learning and improving yourself. You can do this by reading books, articles, or blogs, watching videos or podcasts, attending webinars or workshops, or enrolling in courses or programs related to assertiveness and confidence. You can also do this by seeking feedback, asking questions, or requesting coaching from your executive coach or others. By keeping learning, you will expand your knowledge, skills, and mindset. You will also stay updated, relevant, and adaptable.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?