Helena Demuynck

The best way to develop assertiveness and confidence in your team is to lead by example every day. Show them what it looks like through your own actions and decision-making. When people see you handling any situation with poise and conviction, they'll want to model that behavior. Your presence and the way you carry yourself really sets the tone. Presence is so important as a leader. How you conduct yourself, solve problems and interact with others will directly influence your team. If they see you leading boldly and making tough calls with confidence, it inspires them to rise to the challenge as well. By walking the walk, you'll develop true leaders at every level.

Setting boundaries is an important part of effective leadership. It means defining what behavior works and what doesn't for your team. Clear boundaries upfront prevent confusion over expectations. Make sure everyone knows their role and what you need from them to succeed. If a boundary is crossed, address it right away. Don't let poor behavior slide, or it may continue. But also respond proportionately - you want to correct the mistake without damaging trust or morale. Be willing to revisit boundaries as circumstances change too. An assertive leader sets clear guidelines while also being flexible enough to adapt when needed. This keeps your team on track and performing at their best.

Communication is so important for leaders to be effective. "If you haven't communicated clearly, you haven't communicated at all!" To communicate assertively, keep it concise and make your thoughts easy to understand. Don't use confusing jargon or vague terms - get straight to the point. But it's not just about talking - you have to listen too. Try to restate what people say to show I'm paying attention. That, and asking questions to make sure you understand different perspectives, breaks down barriers and gets people participating. If you actively listen and make others feel heard, they'll respect your leadership more. It fosters a sense of "we're all in this together."

Building confidence is crucial for women executives. Celebrating small wins and pushing past comfort zones seems to counter that imposter syndrome voice. Setting clear goals and recognizing accomplishments, no matter the scale, is empowering. It shows progress is possible. Connecting clients with successful women mentors who've faced similar challenges provides invaluable validation. Peer networks uplift each other with an empowering "you deserve this!" energy, nurturing a profound belief to overcome challenges. Confidence grows gradually through celebrating progress, not perfection.

Assertiveness is a key skill for effective leadership but can mean different things to different people. At its core, assertiveness is about confidently communicating your perspective while also actively listening to understand others. As leaders, it's important to be clear on what assertiveness is and is not. It does not mean being pushy, aggressive, or demanding your way. Rather, it is standing up for your position respectfully and solution-oriented. An assertive leader clearly states their viewpoints, needs, and boundaries with composure.

When things go wrong, see it as a chance not a dead end. Dust off and analyze what fell flat to sharpen your plan. Be proud fighting through uncertainties. Tackling obstacles hones your problem-solving muscle, fueling your stick-to-it spirit. Each hurdle toughens your determination for the next try. Failures supply valuable lessons if you're willing to learn. So take a chance, stumble sometimes, and keep moving ahead.