The meaning of assertiveness

I. Assertive behavior is where you are able to:

1/ Act in your own best interests
2/ Stand up for yourself without undue anxiety
3/ Express honest feelings comfortably
4/ Exercise personal rights without denying the rights of others.

II. Situations where assertiveness may be appropriate include:

1/ Your manager making unfair comments on your work
2/ Another student failing to pull his or her weight in your group
3/ Another person claiming credit for your work
4/ A new salary agreement disadvantaging you
5/ A client falsely criticising your product to justify breaking a contract

III. Example of a statement to a demanding supervisor

When you ask me to take on another job with a tight deadline, I feel pressured because I don't have adequate time to do the new job properly and carry out the other work I have to do.

IV. References

Terry Mohan, Helen McGregor, Shirley Saunders and Ray Archee "Communicating as professionals", 3nd Ed, Thomson, 2008.