Assertiveness is one of the key skills in communication. It is the ability to express one's opinions, views, wishes, or thoughts in a balanced manner without displaying aggressive behaviour. People who are assertive can assert their opinions without offending others or becoming angry themselves. It is a middle ground between aggressive and passive behaviour, which individuals often acquire over time based on various prejudices and subsequently behave accordingly. Prejudices may include beliefs such as asserting one's desires is impolite or selfish, or that one will feel ashamed if they speak their true thoughts.
Assertiveness means that a person manages their own emotions. They stand up for their personal rights, negotiate with others honestly, and speak their mind in a way that promotes effective communication for all parties involved.
In aggressive behaviour, an individual seeks to assert their opinions and ideas at the expense of others. Such a person wants to achieve their goals at any cost, believing that only their truth matters. They may often moralize and find it difficult to acknowledge their own mistakes or accept constructive criticism. Instead, they perceive criticism as a personal attack and often respond with retaliation. This selfish behaviour is very draining and damages relationships with others.
An individual who exhibits passive behaviour dislikes conflicts and has a need to please everyone and gain approval from others. They are unsure of themselves and can easily become taken advantage of by others. When confronted with criticism, they feel confused and hurt. Moreover, they prioritize the rights of others but rarely advocate for their own. This model of behaviour is often ineffective and can lead to adopting aggressive patterns as well.
To be assertive and not lean towards either of the mentioned approaches, a person can adopt the following:
Within assertive behaviour, a person should also have healthy self-confidence.
Assertive communication is primarily based on verbal communication, considering elements such as tone of voice, speech rhythm, facial expressions, gestures, and body language. These elements aid in delivering the message and emphasize the manner and style of communication. Therefore, it is beneficial to work on these aspects, such as maintaining eye contact, keeping an open posture, or using voice appropriately.
One of the advantages of assertive behaviour is the development of self-confidence in individuals. When someone is honest and openly expresses their desires, whether in work or personal life, they become more content, resulting in a better sense of self-worth. Another benefit of assertiveness is that these individuals experience less stress. By addressing and speaking about the necessary issues and problems, they are not burdened and are not afraid to voice their thoughts, allowing them to handle multiple matters effectively. Assertiveness is also a crucial leadership trait. Leaders and managers must be decisive and honest; to successfully manage organizations or projects, they need to delegate tasks, making assertiveness essential and advantageous in these positions. Moreover, assertiveness can be applied in personal life to achieve individual goals.
| Training name | Training duration | Venue | Price | The nearest date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Successful Communication, Conflict Resolution, Assertiveness (Communication I) |
1 day
|
Company in-house training | On request |
According to you
|
| Assertiveness in the workplace |
1 day
|
Company in-house training | On request |
According to you
|
