Are you being assertive or aggressive?
Aggressive: Expressing your feelings, needs and ideas at
the expense of others. Getting your way
no matter who it hurts. Usually ends up
separating self from other people and can cause frustration and bitterness.
Assertive: Expressing your needs, feelings and ideas and
standing up for legitimate rights in a way that doesn’t violate others. Going for the win win. Acting assertively reinforces your good
feelings about yourself, improves self-confidence, and leads to freer, more
honest relationships with others.
What can you do to be Assertive?
ü Know that you have the right
to express your needs, wants and wishes.
ü Express yourself when you
are angry or upset.
ü Take steps to change
conditions you don’t like or persuade others to change them.
ü In conflict, focus on the
issues not the personalities.
ü Trust others and expect to
be trusted.
ü Allow others to express how
they feel.
ü Be reliable and trustworthy.
ü Be consistent in what you do
and what you say.
Your assignment is to take steps to be assertive. What is one small step from the list above that you can do this week?
