Being aggressive is often viewed as being a negative personality trait. Aggressive, “type A” personalities are often seen being as domineering bullies everyone dislikes. However, 3C Contact Services Inc., the leading provider of outsourced call center solutions, tells their partners that being aggressive in business can serve them well.
When it comes to aggression, it’s something that you need to balance out with a sense of humility. Being too aggressive can lead to you becoming one of the aforementioned “type A alphas” that most call center agents dislike. Here are a few pointers on how to become a more aggressive thinker:
1. Admit that your inhibited style of thinking needs to change:
One of the first things you will have to do if you want to become a more aggressive thinker is admit that your current way of thinking needs to change, but don’t overdo it. Look to your co-workers who have great success and think like them.
2. Is there a different way to do it? Why not try it?:
Aggressive thinkers aren’t afraid to take risks, within reason, or try a different approach. There’s nothing wrong with thinking outside the box; in fact, it may just provide the answers you’ve been looking for
3. Become aware of how you arrived at a conclusion and the process you took to get there:
A little reflection isn’t a bad thing, especially if a conclusion brought you success, and even more so if it didn’t work out the way you had planned. Next time, you’ll know the steps to avoid and which ones to follow again.
4. Ask a friend or co-worker what they think and document their process:
If you have a friend or co-worker who could be considered an aggressive, take-charge type, ask them about their thought process and how they arrive at the conclusions they do. With their permission, spend a couple days shadowing them or, more importantly, working with them on a project, then adopt what they do.
5. Increase your understanding of the situation and consider the repercussions and rewards of the more assertive solutions:
While being more assertive may just serve you well in a project or when dealing with a client, it can just as easily backfire on you. As the saying goes, “choose your battles wisely.” There are times when taking an aggressive approach may not be what’s required.
6. Don’t be afraid to take some chances:
One of the hallmarks of aggressive thinkers is being unafraid to take chances—carefully calculated risks, but risks nonetheless. You know what they say: nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Remember, being aggressive isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it shows confidence and willingness to take charge of a situation. This is something 3C Contact Services Inc.’s partners tell us they look for in leadership candidates and it is often the hallmark of a successful worker.
