| tiveness is the focal part of effective | | | | of people—it could mean that the person |
| communication among organizations, communities | | | | must not be taken seriously. |
| and other groups of individuals. Being a great | | | | • A good leader has a moderate and |
| leader means having the confidence to voice out | | | | respectful tone of voice. |
| personal and organizational needs in an effective | | | | • A good leader must never sound |
| way. The proper timing to asserting one’s | | | | apologetic. If he has committed an error, he |
| belief is important and, at the same time, difficult. | | | | would strive to correct it and must apologize in a |
| The Different Styles | | | | dignified manner. |
| Not all leaders are effective with their | | | | • A good leader uses effective body |
| people-handling and communication skills. These are | | | | language. |
| the common styles that leaders practice: | | | | Assertiveness at a Higher Level |
| • Non-assertiveness—this means | | | | Assertiveness is often interchanged with |
| that the leader fails to stand up for what he | | | | aggressiveness and no leader must have the |
| believes in and just goes with what the groups | | | | same connotation. Assertion would never involve |
| dictates to him. When this happens, the rights of | | | | hurting emotionally or physically which are |
| the leader are clearly violated and his subordinates | | | | indicative of aggressiveness. Winning every word |
| abuse him for his lack of assertiveness. | | | | war should never be a leader’s goal. No |
| • Aggressiveness, on the other hand, is | | | | one ever wins an argument—in fact, the |
| the style that leaders undertake when they want | | | | one who has the last word or who says more in |
| everything done their way. This means that the | | | | every argument still loses. |
| boss will listen to no one but himself and he will | | | | A good leader must express all his feelings and |
| express everything even if people end up getting | | | | ideas in all honesty. This will inculcate in his |
| hurt. This type of leadership focuses on humiliation | | | | subordinates’ minds that he is |
| and putting down other people just so the leader | | | | trustworthy, therefore, good working relationship |
| could get away with what he wants. | | | | often follows. An assertive leader must also allow |
| • Assertiveness is the fulcrum to these | | | | others to be assertive around him. This means |
| two leadership styles. Being assertive means the | | | | that he would allow his subordinates to speak |
| leader stands up for himself in a way that would | | | | their minds in a clear and concise manner. |
| not violate any rights or hurt any feelings. This is | | | | An effective leader must also have a set of |
| a direct and honest expression of wants, needs, | | | | reactions to several circumstances and he must |
| feelings, or opinions while maintaining one’s | | | | constantly practice this. He must also know how |
| calm demeanor. | | | | to set limits without causing offense and this can |
| Basic Assertiveness | | | | be done by being firm. |
| A good leader will always think of his and his | | | | Traits to Avoid |
| subordinates’ overall welfare. This should | | | | A leader who has a resolve to become assertive |
| drive any leader to become assertive and | | | | must avoid these traits: |
| effective; but assertiveness can never be | | | | • Indecisiveness |
| obtained overnight. There are ways to gain | | | | • Arrogance |
| assertiveness in due time: | | | | • Lack of frankness |
| • A good leader must say what he feels | | | | • Arbitrariness |
| in a nice manner. | | | | • Bias |
| • A good leader maintains eye contact | | | | Leadership is a balance of all positive |
| when he talks to other people. | | | | characteristics and the absence of negative ones. |
| • A good leader also has good posture. | | | | A good leader must remember this or he will be |
| Slouching gives the wrong impression to majority | | | | in jeopardy. |