When Drive and Assertion Can Get You Into Trouble

 

Some project managers are very assertive. They are in a hurry, focused on the deliverable, and nothing is going to stand in their way. They have a reputation to maintain.

But, what does this mean? How do you quantify very? More to the point, how do those you work with judge your level of drive and assertion?

You need to know, or at least begin to get a sense of what level to apply, in case you go too far (and be accused of bullying) or become too soft (and be accused of not delivering).

Here are some behavioural that some regard to be bullying:

• Interrupting and talking over other people.
• Demanding things at short notice.
• Not listening to others’ ideas and suggestions.
• Publicly favouring or disfavouring individuals.
• Being intolerant of fools.
• Reacting aggressively when challenged.
• Speaking before thinking and upsetting people.
• Allowing others to take unfair responsibility for problems.
• Cancelling meetings at short notice.
• Telling people what to do and how to do it.

(extract from Are You a Bully?)

Any one of these, in isolation, it probably okay. Not ideal, but okay. When you start adding more to the mix, you are likely to be coming across as too pushy, demanding and perhaps a bit of a bully.

Now, I know you have a job to do, and there are far too many people avoiding a good day’s work, but take this seriously, before it becomes a problem for you.

How do you judge the appropriate level of assertion to apply?

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