Assertiveness is the ability to formulate and communicate one’s own contemplations, opinions and wishes in a clear, direct, and non-aggressive way. It is the ability to express oneself and one’s rights without violating the rights of others. The ability to be assertive is an asset which is necessary to achieve worthwhile aims and impose some order and justice in one’s environment. Assertiveness does not equate to being selfish as one pays attention to his/her own rights, yet additionally is sensitive to the rights of others.
It is good to understand here the difference between assertive behavior and other types of behavior. Aggressiveness means that one expresses one’s own rights yet at the expense of degrading, or humiliating another individual whereas submissiveness means that one is only unable to express one’s rights and keeps compromising the self, leaving one with feelings of humiliation, blame and dissatisfaction and know your rights.
Hence the types of responses that one can give in a situation are different. Let us take a look at the types of responses and what they would mean: Assertiveness
- Submissiveness: I lose-You win
- Aggressiveness: I win-You lose
- Assertiveness: I win-You win
Along these lines one would understand that ‘When you communicate assertively, you are more likely to achieve your goal without becoming involved in a conflict with the other person which then leads one to the I win-You win position’.
Yet, are there any reasons that are keeping you from being assertive? Let us explore some which may be the impediments that may not be allowing you to assert yourself:
- Fear of change.
- Refusal to admit one’s submissiveness.
- Fear of ruining relationships on the off chance that you speak your mind.
- Lack confidence in your ability.
Dealing with the following before you embark on the journey towards transformation is important:
- Deal with the anxiety associated with change.
- Reconcile the conflicts within your value system.
- Assess the repercussions of being assertive.
- Prepare others for the changes they will see in your behavior or attitude.
Here are the Benefits of Assertiveness:
Embark on this journey towards assertiveness; motivate yourself towards being assertive as the benefits are immense:
- Better management of relationships
- More balanced lifestyle
- Improvement in efficiency and effectiveness as a worker
- More in control of one’s daily schedules and plans
- Reduced stress.
