The Scientific Phoenix; UE EngStartUp, academic year 2013-2014

Assertiveness

Assertiveness is a skill which is regulary refered to social and communication skills training. Assertive individuals aim to be neither passive nor agressive in their interactions with other people.
Even though everyone acts in a passive and agressive ways from time to time, sometimes their response is the result of a lack of self confidence, which leads to inappropriate expressions of what these people really nead to say.

Being assertive involves considering what you want, need, desire, as well as those of the other person. Being assertive means to encourage others to be open and honest so both peaple act appropriately.

Assertive behaviour includes:

Being open in expressing wishes, thoughts and feelings and encouraging others to do likewise.

Listening to the views of others and responding appropriately, whether in agreement with those views    or not. 

Accepting responsibilities and being able to delegate to others. 

Regularly expressing appreciation of others for what they have done or are doing.

Being able to admit to mistakes and apologise.

Maintaining self-control.

Behaving as an equal to others.