Want to know how to stand up for yourself at work? Then you’re in the right place.
If you are insulted, bullied, or mistreated at work, it is imperative that you stand up for yourself. This can be a little unsettling, especially if assertiveness is not something you are used to.
We totally understand that! To help you out, we’ve put together a list of strategies for dealing with different situations at work.
Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself at work; you deserve to be respected and treated fairly.
How To Stand Up For Yourself At Work:
1. Emotional responses may be perceived as aggressive rather than assertive.
We understand that staying calm in stressful circumstances is not always easy, but try to do your best. Before you say anything, stop, take a few deep breaths and give yourself some time to think.
If you start to back away in the heat of the moment, you may appear to be the perpetrator rather than the victim.
If you must, take a few minutes to collect your thoughts. Come back to the problem after you’ve calmed down and resolve it in a professional and respectful manner.
If you are unhappy about something, ask yourself, “What am I upset about? What does it matter right now? Will it matter a week from now? ‘ This can help you better understand the situation.
The great thing is to respond calmly and assertively! It’s a good way to communicate your needs and feelings to others.
2. Speak up without demeaning the opposing side.
There is nothing wrong with defending yourself if you disagree with a colleague’s point of view or solution to a problem.
However, try to avoid pitting your concept against their ideas, as this can appear confrontational. Instead of presenting your own concept, appreciate the value of the other person’s opinion.
3. The most effective method is a stern verbal response.
Don’t go back to your desk and frown all day if a coworker says or does something inappropriate. To stop their negative behavior, give them immediate attention.
Keep your cool, but use firm, straightforward language to remind them that their behavior is unacceptable and that they need to stop immediately.
Allow a teammate to finish speaking if they are trying to take credit for your efforts during a project meeting. Then, in a respectful manner, acknowledge your efforts.
If you don’t speak up right away, your colleague (and everyone else who has observed this behavior) will believe it’s okay to treat you badly.
SEE ALSO: How To Be Fair In The Workplace: 7 Reliable Principles
4. If you confront yourself in front of others, they may not take it well.
Besides, there are times when public confrontation is inappropriate for the scenario.
For example, if a colleague is talking about you in a meeting for the first time, give them the benefit of the doubt! Wait until the meeting is over before talking to him in person.
5. Questions are less confrontational in tone.
If you must have a difficult conversation with a coworker, refrain from saying things like: “I don’t like the way you’re doing this” or “I think your method is incorrect.”
The person will feel immediately judged and will most likely start to get defensive. When asked questions, you can still be firm and express your thoughts.
6. Bullies expect their victims to be silent out of shame.
Don’t suffer in silence if you are being bullied at work (1). Contact other employees you trust and ask if they have ever had problems with a bully.
Since bullying is a common occurrence, more people will likely come forward. Join forces, talk about the problem, and provide support for each other.
Develop a strategy together. If other employees support you, your supervisor will surely take your case seriously.
7. Some problems require a more forceful approach than others.
If you are being bullied, treated unfairly, or harassed at work, you need to start standing up for yourself.
However, reacting on the spur of the moment is never a good idea, so take a step back and assess the situation before escalating the conflict.
The following are examples of unacceptable behavior:
Co-workers whispering about you or intentionally excluding you.
Using swearing, yelling or verbal abuse
Tasks that are intentionally vague and excessive workloads
Employees who take credit for your efforts
Jokes, nicknames or statements that are offensive
Criticism, prejudice or unfair punishment on a regular basis.
Hindering opportunities for advancement or training.
SEE ALSO: How To Improve Skills And Abilities: [Top 16 Strategies]
8. If you want to make a formal complaint, you will need evidence.
Keep a daily notebook to record incidents as they occur. Include the date, time, and as much information about the incident as possible (including witness names). Also record any notes, emails, or other written correspondence.
9. This is the most professional way to deal with an issue.
If you must take action or file a formal complaint against someone, start with your immediate supervisor (provided he or she is not the culprit). If you raise the issue over your boss’s head, he or she will be surprised when a formal investigation begins (which will reflect badly on you).
10. Do whatever you need to do at work to protect your rights.
If your supervisor ignores or disregards your concerns, you have the option of taking the matter to a higher level of management or to Human Resources. Bring any evidence you have to support your claims.
Also, if you feel the need to speak up because of work overload (2) or an unfair deadline, schedule a meeting with your supervisor to make sure everyone agrees on your responsibilities, goals and expectations.
Thank you for reading this article and I really hope that you take action my advice.
I wish you good luck and I hope its contents have been a good help to you.
