ATHENA Embraces Assertiveness in Discussions of Balanced Leadership

Advocacy News – August 30, 2023

Tuesday morning, the MI Chamber had the pleasure of hosting an inspiring conversation on assertiveness and how to incorporate the necessary trait into daily work and workplace leadership. Jessica Tramontana with Consumers Energy moderated the discussion between panelists Sarah Hubbard of Acuitas, Becky O’Connell of Lake Trust Credit Union and Danielle Robinson of Jackson National Life Insurance Company. Each woman brought a wealth of wisdom and solid examples of the ways they have lived into assertiveness. Here are the top takeaways:

1. Professional development has a lot to do with patient persistence. In order to gain new skills, a promotion or switch careers, the key is not letting people forget what you want. When people are consistently told and have your desires top of mind, they will be more likely to think of you when opportunities align with your interests. Be vocal; it helps you and those around you find the best fit for tasks!
2. The opposite of assertiveness is passivity, which lacks efficiency. Honest communication provides a necessary middle ground, where coworkers and loved ones alike can identify problems and solutions to maximize everyone’s time and needs. Transparency gives way to love and respect, even when it poses as challenging or uncomfortable; pushing through a few minutes of discomfort will reap far more rewards than the alternative.
3. You leave a wake behind you in a professional setting. You have the ability to determine whether that is positive or negative. Although a trite saying, it really is true that people will remember how you made them feel most. And when we are assertive, we provide a wake of confidence that empowers others to step deeper into their own gifts and healthy boundaries.
4. No one knows your value like you. As much as we can plaster ourselves on our professional biographies or application materials, you know better than anyone else what you can contribute and provide a team. Consequently, you have to ask for what you want, because no one will know if not clearly communicated. Prove that you have a lot of great experiences to give and others will believe it!
5. There will be hurdles; know they will be there and don’t give up. Becky O’Connell summarized this in her parting advice and it is a vital long-term reality. Assertiveness is not just a one-and-done process that gets its way every time, but a characteristic that advocates for you even when the going gets tough. So what will be your strategy to climb over hurdles? How will you continue to believe in yourself when you don’t have affirmation that others do?

While these points are key to embracing assertiveness, this is far from the only advice our panelists gave us. There are many other components to consider and process as you continue on your professional journey, and we hope they benefit your daily life and inspire you to share the wisdom with others.

You can watch the full webinar here:

We also could not have such enlightening conversations without our sponsors. A huge shoutout and word of gratitude for them all: our diamond sponsor, Lake Trust; our presenting sponsor, Consumers Energy; our gold sponsors, Amerisure, Hastings Mutual Insurance Company and Perrigo; our silver sponsors, Ice Mountain and Lansing Board of Water and Light; our supporting sponsor, West Shore Bank; our educational partner, Davenport University; and our supporting sponsor, CATA.