Assertive people are more likely to achieve win-win outcomes. Assertive people are less likely to misunderstand or be misunderstood. So what is assertiveness?
Assertive behaviour respects other people’s rights and feelings, as well as your own rights and feelings. Assertiveness requires the ability to be forceful, in a respectful way, as well as the ability to listen. Assertiveness depends a lot on confidence. Truly confident people are willing to listen to the ideas of others.
But assertiveness isn’t the golden key that will open all doors. There are times when it may be appropriate to be passive, or other times when you must take a more aggressive stance. However, assertiveness is the only behaviour that’s designed to promote win-win outcomes.
Being assertive involves sharing feelings, and this can be difficult for some people. But conversations that include thoughts and feelings are more powerful, more rewarding, and more likely to have a positive effect on all concerned.
When you’re assertive, everyone benefits!