How to Handle Negative Reactions When You Speak Up

Our world is still conflicted about whether or not it likes assertive women. In recent months, I have received both positive and negative feedback about my outspokenness. When I’m confronted with the opinion that my assertive approach to communication might leave a poor taste in people’s mouths, I still have to fight the urge to hide or get defensive, but I have developed a few skills that make these interactions more productive.

The road to owning your voice and raising it confidently when you have something to say can be a long one, especially if you were raised to keep quiet. In this episode, I lay out three tips to help you navigate the situation the next time someone gives you negative feedback about your communication style.

Challenge yourself to start putting these tips into action. Listen now to learn:

• Why it’s better to ask for more information than to get defensive;
• How to decide whose feedback really matters;
• Why you don’t have to act on all the feedback you receive.

Related Links:

• Read “The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness” by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga - https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-courage-to-be-disliked-the-japanese-phenomenon-that-shows-you-how-to-change-your-life-and-achieve-real-happiness-ichiro-kishimi/6691584
• Get Emilie’s book, “Bossed Up: A Grown Woman's Guide to Getting Your Sh*t Together” - https://www.bossedup.org/book
• SPEAK UP: An Assertive Communication Course- https://www.bossedup.org/speakup
• Bossed Up Courage Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/927776673968737/
• Bossed Up LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7071888/