Assertiveness is often misunderstood. It’s not about being aggressive or demanding—it’s about expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and respectfully while considering others’ perspectives. For leaders, assertiveness is a critical skill that drives effective communication, decision-making, and the ability to inspire trust and respect within teams. Here are three tips on how to apply assertiveness effectively and what it looks like in real-world leadership situations. 1. Be Clear and Direct While Remaining Respectful Assertiveness is about clarity. Leaders must express themselves in a way that is easy to understand while remaining respectful of others’ feelings and perspectives. Best Practice: Use "I" statements to express your thoughts and needs without sounding accusatory. For example, say, “I believe we should allocate more resources to this project,” rather than, “You’re not prioritizing this project enough.” Situational Example: During a meeting, two departments are vying for the same budget. An assertive leader states, “I appreciate both perspectives. Based on our goals, I believe Department A’s project aligns more closely with our strategy. Let’s explore other funding options for Department B.” 2. Say “No” When Necessary Many leaders struggle with saying “no” because they want to support their teams or avoid conflict. However, assertiveness means recognizing when to decline in a way that preserves relationships. Best Practice: Be firm but empathetic. Provide a clear reason and offer alternatives when possible. Situational Example: A team member asks for additional resources for a low-priority project. An assertive leader might respond, “I understand this project is important to you, but our current focus is on the product launch. Let’s revisit this request after we meet our deadline.” 3. Address Issues Directly Avoiding difficult conversations can lead to unresolved conflicts and resentment. Assertive leaders confront issues promptly and constructively. Best Practice: Focus on behavior, not the person, and frame the conversation around solutions. For example, instead of saying, “You’re always late with reports,” say, “I’ve noticed the reports have been delayed. Let’s discuss how we can ensure they’re submitted on time.” Situational Example: A team member consistently misses deadlines. An assertive leader addresses the issue by saying, “Your recent delays are affecting the team’s workflow. Can we talk about what’s causing the delays and how I can support you to meet deadlines moving forward?” Why Assertiveness Is a Leadership Superpower Assertiveness isn’t about overpowering others—it’s about finding the balance between confidence and consideration. Leaders who practice assertiveness build trust, foster open communication, and encourage accountability across their teams. According to research published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, leaders who exhibit assertiveness are perceived as more effective because they inspire respect while maintaining positive relationships. Take the First Step Today: Identify one situation where you’ve hesitated to speak up or set boundaries. Practice being assertive in that scenario, and observe how it positively impacts your interactions. Leadership requires clarity and courage—and assertiveness is the bridge that connects the two. Embrace it, and watch your influence and impact soar.

Empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of others—is a cornerstone of great leadership. In an increasingly complex and fast-paced world, leaders who practice empathy foster trust, boost morale, and create environments where people feel valued. Empathy isn’t just a “nice-to-have” quality; it’s a strategic advantage that drives better relationships and results. Here are three top ways leaders can apply empathy effectively in their leadership and examples of what it looks like in action. 1. Listen to Understand, Not Just Respond Empathetic leaders prioritize active listening, ensuring that their team members feel heard and understood. This involves giving undivided attention, asking clarifying questions, and paraphrasing to confirm understanding. Best Practice: Practice active listening. Pause before responding and focus entirely on the speaker without distractions. Situational Example: During a performance review, an employee expresses frustration about a lack of growth opportunities. Instead of immediately offering solutions, the leader listens carefully, asks questions to explore their concerns, and says, “I hear that you feel stuck in your role. Let’s explore ways we can help you grow.” 2. Validate Emotions Without Judgment Empathy doesn’t require you to agree with someone’s feelings, but it does require you to acknowledge them. Validating emotions shows that you respect their perspective, even if you see things differently. Best Practice: Use empathy statements such as, “I can see how this situation would feel overwhelming,” or, “That sounds really challenging. Let’s work through it together.” Situational Example: A team member who missed a deadline is visibly upset and shares they are dealing with personal challenges. Instead of focusing solely on the missed deadline, the leader responds, “I can tell this has been tough for you. Let’s talk about how I can support you moving forward.” 3. Lead with Compassionate Problem-Solving Empathy isn’t just about understanding feelings—it’s about taking compassionate action. Empathetic leaders work collaboratively to find solutions that address both the practical issue and the emotional impact on their team members. Best Practice: Approach problems with collaborative solutions that respect the emotions and needs of everyone involved. Situational Example: After a team member makes a mistake on a project, the leader meets with them privately and says, “Mistakes happen. Let’s talk about what we can learn from this and how we can prevent it in the future. I want to make sure you have the tools you need to succeed.” Why Empathy Matters in Leadership Empathy isn’t about being overly lenient or compromising results—it’s about recognizing the humanity in every interaction. Research shows that leaders who practice empathy experience higher levels of team engagement, innovation, and loyalty. A Harvard Business Review study found that empathetic leaders are more effective at resolving conflicts and inspiring collaboration. By embracing empathy as a core leadership skill, you can build stronger relationships, foster a positive work culture, and create an environment where everyone thrives.  Start today. Take a moment to ask a team member how they’re feeling—and truly listen to their response. You might be surprised by the impact this simple act of empathy can have.