Assertiveness and Entrepreneurship

We often think of a successful entrepreneur as a person who believes in their work and has the courage to work tirelessly to “get it”.   Along with “confident” and “energetic”, we sometimes will use the word “assertive” to describe such a trait.

But being assertive is not just about being forceful and pushing hard. 

So what does being assertive mean?  A big part of it, of course, is to comfortably assert your rights and to stand up for what you believe in.  More importantly, it is about setting limits on your time and energy – knowing when you should be in charge, when to ask for more, when to ask for help, and when to let go.

In this modern society where people often measure self worth based on productivity, we believe that asking for help (or to stop) is a sign of weakness.  We tell ourselves we need to do it all, but our energy level simply can’t catch up.  Our half-hearted efforts lead to products that are disappointing to both ourselves and people around us.

Assertive entrepreneurs charge on even when things get tough, but they work tirelessly to “get it”.  But the “it” they are working to get is not their next business milestone or sales target.  Rather, it is taking time and effort to connect and collaborate with others, and to build a network of support, so they can keep on keeping on.  

Posted in Monthly Musings.

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