You're feeling stuck in your career progression. How can assertiveness propel you forward?

When you are feeling stuck in career, assertiveness can be a powerful tool. It begins with clearly articulating your goals and ambitions to those who can influence your progression, such as supervisors or mentors. By confidently expressing your value and contributions, you position yourself as someone who is proactive, ready for new challenges. Assertiveness also involves seeking feedback and acting on it to improve your skills and performance. Additionally, it empowers you to take ownership of your career path, requesting opportunities and accepting responsibilities that align with your growth. Being assertive demonstrates your commitment to your career, making it more likely that you will be recognized & rewarded for your efforts.

Feeling stuck in your career often means it’s time to get assertive. Start by clearly defining what you want, then take action—whether it’s asking for more responsibility, pitching a new idea, or seeking mentorship. Assertiveness is about confidently communicating your value, not just waiting for opportunities to come to you. Speak up in meetings, advocate for yourself in reviews, and set boundaries that align with your goals. When you assert yourself, you open doors for growth and show you're ready to take that next step.

A assertividade pode trazer melhorias na sua carreira, trazendo atenção para a comunicação, permitindo que você expresse suas ideias e expectativas de forma clara e respeitosa. Ela pode ajudar a definir limites saudáveis, gerenciar conflitos de maneira construtiva e negociar promoções com confiança. Assim como, fortalecer a autoestima e facilitar o recebimento e compartilhamento de feedback. Ao ser assertivo, você pode tornar-se mais visível e valorizado no trabalho, o que pode abrir portas para novas oportunidades e crescimento profissional.

Assertiveness is about expressing your needs and boundaries clearly while respecting others. It differs from being aggressive because assertiveness involves standing up for yourself without infringing on others' rights. Aggressiveness, on the other hand, often involves pushing past others' boundaries to get what you want, which can lead to conflict and damage relationships. Being assertive is about finding a balance—communicating honestly and confidently while still showing respect and consideration for those around you.

As a Digital & Payments Business/Risk Executive, it is important to let others know your career goals. I have been in multiple talent development conversations where we are talking about opportunities for colleagues and the comment is "I don't know if he wants it." Also, when we put ourselves and our desires out there, the Universe conspires to provide what we want. We align ourselves with a specific frequency that allows us to identify opportunities in and out of the company, connect with other professionals, and be in the right place at the right time.

Without self-awareness, it's hard to figure out what our boundaries are, what really bothers us, and why. Understanding ourselves helps us know what we need to feel safe and respected. If we don’t take the time to understand our own emotions and triggers, we can’t set clear boundaries or explain them to others. Self-awareness is key to knowing where we need to draw the line and how to protect our well-being.

Communication is the key to every problem. In this situation, to propel your career ahead, take the initiative to request a career development conversation with your manager. During this discussion, be clear about what you want—whether it's a promotion, new responsibilities, or training opportunities. For example, say, "I've consistently met or exceeded my targets in [specific areas], and I'm eager to take on more responsibilities. I'd like to discuss the possibilities," or "I'd like to pursue additional training or mentorship to develop my skills further and advance my career. Are there programs available?"

Communicating clearly is all about expressing two things: what your boundaries are and the consequences of crossing them. When you clearly articulate your limits and what will happen if they’re not respected, you set the stage for healthier, more respectful interactions

É importante ter clareza mental sobre as suas atividades e sobre o resultado entregue à empresa para que você possa realizar uma negociação com assertividade e atingir os seus objetivos. Ser claro, verdadeiro e objetivo é uma excelente forma de se fazer ser ouvido e compreendido.

When conflict arises, the goal is to engage in the delicate dance of creating a win-win solution without completely compromising on either person’s needs and boundaries. It’s about finding common ground where both parties feel respected and valued, ensuring that the resolution honors what’s important to each person. This process requires open communication, empathy, and a willingness to collaborate, so both sides can walk away feeling understood and satisfied.