What is Assertiveness?

Assertiveness is a way of thinking and behaving that allows a person to stand up for his or her rights while respecting the rights of others.

Non-assertive people may be passive or aggressive.

Passive individuals are not committed to their own rights and are more likely to allow others to infringe on their rights than to stand up and speak out.

On the other hand, aggressive persons are very likely to defend their own rights and work to achieve their own goals but are also likely to disregard the rights of others.

Additionally, aggressive individuals insist that their feelings and needs take precedence over other people’s. They also tend to blame others for problems instead of offering solutions.

Assertive attitudes and behaviors are at the heart of effective advocacy. A person with an assertive attitude recognizes that each individual has rights. These rights include not only legal rights but also rights to individuality, to have and express personal preferences, feelings and opinions. The assertive individual not only believes in his or her rights but is committed to preserving those rights. An assertive attitude is important in recognizing that rights are being violated.

The passive person is so concerned with being liked and accepted that he or she may never recognize the need to advocate. The assertive person clearly expresses his or her rights or needs. They tend to face problems promptly and they focus on solutions rather than problems.

The following will enhance your assertiveness skills. Assertive listening is one of the most important advocacy skills we will discuss. The goals of assertive listening are:
(1) letting the other person know that you want to understand his or her point of view;
(2) understanding accurately what another person is saying;
(3) letting the other person know that he or she has been understood. Remember that understanding is different from agreement. You can understand what another is saying but still disagree with him or her.

[from Brain Injury Institute]

for more information, contact

Dr. Steven J. Sinert, Certified Anger Management Provider & Coach
Nevada Anger Management, LLC
702 353 1750
www.nevadaangermanagement.com
dr.sinert@nevadaangermanagement.com