How to be more assertive

[Ladyoftheapple]

I know this probably sounds ridiculous but I have now found myself in charge at work and have been told I’m too nice and need to work on being more assertive. I have been a people pleaser my whole life, I know this. If I’m in a room full of people talking, I will mute myself even if I know I have the right answer/good opinions. I have always tried to shy into the background but I need people to not walk all over me. I’ve always found the rude and outspoken people always get what they want in terms of leave/shifts etc. Please give me your tips, where do i start, thankyou

One thing that can help in the workplace is to pick one or two behaviours at a time and ask a trusted person, if you have one, for feedback on how you're doing in changing them.

I'm a senior leader in my organisation and directly manage 6 senior managers. I am also quite socially awkward and often riddled with self-doubt.

I often ask either my boss or a trusted colleague/direct report for feedback, especially if I'm feeling worried about how something landed. And I take their feedback on board - I really push myself not to make excuses or dismiss the feedback but rather consider it really objectively and try to put it into practice.