Assertiveness: Honest, Direct and Respectful
A working definition of assertiveness, and the common myths that stop people using it.
9 min
Activities: 0 of 2
Every working day asks you to speak up for yourself in small ways. A colleague asks you to take on extra work when you are already full. A manager gives you a deadline you cannot meet. Someone takes credit for your idea in a meeting. Each time, you choose how to respond: say nothing, push back hard, or say clearly and calmly what you think and need.
Assertiveness is the third choice. It means expressing your thoughts, feelings, needs and opinions honestly, directly and at the right time, while respecting the rights and feelings of the other person. You stand up for yourself without putting the other person down.
This course is awareness and skills training for anyone at work. It does not need a management role. It is about how you, as an individual, say what you mean, say no, make requests and take feedback.
Four common myths
Why it matters at work
When people do not speak up, problems stay hidden. A team member who never says "I am overloaded" misses deadlines without warning. A new engineer who does not ask a question makes a mistake that one question would have prevented. When people speak aggressively, others stop sharing information and relationships suffer.
Assertive behaviour helps both the person and the organisation. You protect your workload and your wellbeing, colleagues know where they stand, and decisions are made with honest information.
Which description best matches assertive behaviour?