The Importance of Assertiveness

In my previous post, I discussed assertiveness in the context of time management. Upon reviewing various situations I’ve encountered, I can confidently assert that a lack of assertiveness (including appropriate communication) is the root cause of many other project issues.

The Role of Pressure

Let’s consider pressure as an example. Typically, pressure comes from the top—be it a client or an important director or CEO (as if there could be any unimportant ones!). This pressure is usually passed down through the hierarchy until it reaches the project team (in a typical generalized case: client/director → project manager → project team).

Now, here’s something that might be unpopular to say, but:

THIS PRESSURE IS NECESSARY!

Yes, let’s not complain that someone asks for work to be completed in a shorter timeframe. From an economic standpoint, it’s very reasonable. In fact, according to Parkinson’s Law, which I have personally experienced many times as both a contractor and an observer, shorter deadlines are advisable.

Assertiveness in Action

What is unwise is succumbing to this pressure. If you are convinced that a given deadline is unrealistic, say so (assertively). Prepare well, gather your arguments (remember to consider your counterpart’s perspective, not just your own), and discuss why it is unrealistic.

Very often, you will find that managers (or other decision-makers) are very willing to accept different estimates if they are well justified. Of course, there are also those who are not willing (but let’s not kid ourselves—this might be about 5% of them, so if you think it definitely applies to you, there’s a good chance you are mistaken!).

Conclusion

If you are considering what to train in, your choice should lean towards assertiveness!

(Text translated and moved from original old blog automatically by AI. May contain inaccuracies.)