Ankur Warikoo Urges Professionals to Embrace Assertiveness Over Politeness on LinkedIn

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ankur Warikoo discusses the common workplace tendency to suppress assertiveness in favor of politeness, arguing that this can ultimately limit an individual’s potential. Warikoo highlights how societal conditioning from childhood often teaches people to prioritize agreement and avoid confrontation, leading to a reluctance to speak up or assert oneself for fear of negative perception.

The Perils of Excessive Politeness

Warikoo identifies a core conflict many professionals face: the desire to be well-liked and avoid causing offense versus the need to express oneself fully and advance in one’s career. He suggests that this ingrained politeness, while seemingly beneficial for smooth interactions, can paradoxically hinder personal growth and visibility within an organization.

“If you hold back at work because you don’t want to come across the wrong way, read this.”

The post emphasizes that the fear of appearing disrespectful or difficult often leads individuals to remain silent, thereby making themselves invisible. Warikoo contends that true respect is not achieved through mere silence or passive agreement, but through clear and confident communication.

Assertiveness vs. Disrespect

A key point Ankur Warikoo makes is the distinction between being assertive and being disrespectful. He argues that these two are often conflated, leading professionals to err on the side of caution and avoid directness. This, in turn, can lead to missed opportunities for feedback, collaboration, and recognition.

“Being assertive is not being disrespectful. Being silent is not being respectful. It’s keeping you invisible.”

According to Warikoo, the internal narrative that speaking up is inherently risky or requires extensive justification is a significant barrier. He encourages a shift in perspective, suggesting that assertiveness, when practiced thoughtfully, can coexist with consideration for others.

Finding a Balance in Communication

Warikoo introduces the idea that professionals can be both direct and thoughtful, clear and considerate, confident and grounded. This balanced approach, he implies, is crucial for effective professional communication and personal development. He references a resource from Dr. Dupe Burgess for alternative phrases to common limiting expressions, further underscoring the practical application of his advice.

“You can be thoughtful AND direct. Clear AND considerate. Confident AND grounded.”

The underlying message from Warikoo’s post is a call to action for professionals to re-evaluate their communication styles. By embracing assertiveness and challenging the fear of negative perception, individuals can unlock greater potential and ensure their contributions are recognized, ultimately benefiting both themselves and their organizations.