Assertive: Not Passive or Aggressive
Assertiveness is a good growth opportunity for many people. Assertive is the right way to be. Passive and Aggressive is wrong. Assertive typically is acting with respect for yourself and your listener. Briefly, in practice, it means saying what you mean frankly.
People are typically best Assertive in certain situations. For example, I have a General Manager client who is Assertive with the sales force he manages. That’s because he’s a graduate of the sales force and has lots of experience in that arena. He tends to be Passive with other people, those who report to him in non sales roles and peers who are also managers.
It’s important to watch how you act in your best Assertive role so you can replicate in other situations in which you have less experience.
