Why do I want to be assertive?
While I am absorbing as many learnings as possible, watching webinars, listening to a podcast, and reading all about UX, design systems, Figma, and trying to step into the industry, I can say I am riding a rollercoaster of emotions.
My critical thinker is in a non-stop modus, going at a velocity that I never experienced before.
The truth is: I never felt this excited about something since I was studying at the University. The electricity of creation and inspiration running through me and making me feel like I am in my 20s again is truly fascinating.
In this journey that I am starting, I become an Apprentice for a wonderful project that aims to help people get hired based on their creativity and problem-solving skills. This will open doors to people that possess innate strengths for positions they are passionate about but have maybe not all the necessary hard skills. Already being immersed in this overwhelming and highly rewarding world I have been said over and over again that skills can be learned.
The right attitude is what is needed.
In my past years of professional experience, I had to get messages across many times. I can not say I have always managed to be successful in this task and I wished I had assertively communicated myself. I was also confused, so understood that being confrontative is not the answer and that I needed to find the balance.
A principal phase of the UX design process is practicing Empathy and seeing the problem from another point of view. This skill is not only important to exercise with our target audience but also with our peers. Being part of a team means, in my understanding, being empathetic not only with your customers but also with your collaborators. I have always wanted to volunteer when onboarding was needed in my team, I knew I could transfer my knowledge so that everyone involved gets to benefit from the handoff. If I explain my needs and understand the strengths and the weaknesses of who I am working with, then we can complement each other and we will for sure reach a win-win situation.
Assertiveness is part of personal development, which can surely take time, but is an important soft skill and directly connected to being true to yourself. I will bring personal satisfaction to know that you have allowed yourself to express your beliefs. It encourages you to stay confident and ensure your own opinions and needs.
And this is all that Assertiveness is about. Presenting yourself, embracing your self-esteem, showing your willingness to compromise, and respecting the other person while explaining that the positive outcome will bring benefits to both parties. Is not a competition, is a communication skill that allows you to get things done without being unreasonable. Stand up for yourself without stepping into the personal boundaries of the other person.
