Being Pushy Without Pushing People Away

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

With a background in sales, I can sometimes be considered a pushy person. Yes, I want to get my way, but, no, I don’t want to alienate others in the process. Being a bit more assertive certainly has its pros and cons.

In terms of its advantages, if you’re pushier, you tend to get things done and reach your goals more quickly and efficiently. This can help you in a variety of situations including negotiations where being assertive is definitely a plus. If you’re pushy, you also tend to stand your ground and are more likely to ask for what you want and need (repeatedly). In general, pushy people are individuals who strive for achievement and have a results-oriented focus. This, coupled with their confidence, enables them to do better in competitive situations and leadership activities.

Those on the pushier side stand out more in the crowd and can therefore garner more attention and opportunities. Being more assertive can also help you handle and tackle obstacles more effectively since you know what it takes to achieve what you want.

On the other hand, there are certainly some disadvantages associated with being too pushy. Pushy people might alienate friends and coworkers because they come off as overly aggressive and inconsiderate of others’ feelings at times. Their assertive nature can make them seem as if they lack empathy…