San Diego resident pens leadership book for women
Posted by Elena del Valle on August 7, 2024
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Graciously Assertive
Photos: Morehouse Publishing
Targeting an audience of women leaders Yasmin Davidds, Psy.D., founder, Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Foundation, wrote Graciously Assertive: How Becoming a Better Human Makes You a Better Leader (Morehouse Publishing, $23) as a handbook for them to become gracious and bold. The 235-page hardcover book was published this year. It is divided into 10 chapters. She promises readers that with the insights she shares they “will learn the balance required for effective leadership, self-advocacy, and communication, all while be respected, well-liked, and successful.”
When asked how she defines graciously assertive she replied via a email through her publicist: “‘Graciously Assertive’ is a communication style that combines assertiveness with graciousness. It allows you to express yourself in a way that fosters understanding, empathy and respect. It ensures that all parties feel seen, heard and included. It not only champions self-advocacy, but also enhances relationships, making every conversation a pathway to mutual success and understanding. Using the Graciously Assertive communication style not only changes outcomes, it changes lives, by embedding empathy and respect in the bedrock of every interaction.”
How does the leadership style and its pillars fit in with this era where many are brazenly breaking the rules and think they’re getting away with it? The author replied, “Let me begin by stating that there must be a conscious desire and effort made by a leader to evolve and grow. If the leader is in denial or is invested in maintaining a toxic culture, there is no leadership style that can help them.
However, if there is a conscious desire to evolve and grow, then there is hope for a better tomorrow. In an era where many individuals and leaders may seem to be breaking the rules and operating with a sense of impunity, the ‘graciously assertive leadership style’ and its eight pillars provide a much-needed framework for promoting ethical behavior, emotional intelligence, and compassionate interactions.”
Yasmin Davidds, Psy.D.
She said that “When life presents challenges to women, they often react in two possible ways: some withdraw and become fearful and timid, others build hard impenetrable walls of protection.” She offers guidance on how women can balance effective leadership while at the same time being liked and respected. And that, “Graciously Assertive Communication is the ability to communicate in a way that is firm and direct yet kind and respectful of feelings and needs of others.”
According to her biography Davidds, a San Diego, California resident, founded the Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Foundation, launched the Women’s Institute of Negotiation and established the Dr. Yasmin Davidds Leadership Institute.
