Don’t Act Like Prey! Be Assertive! (14)

As there are costs with being passive or aggressive, there are benefits to being assertive.

Possible benefits include:

• ·         You can have a true equal partnership with your spouse, which benefits both of you.
• ·         You become an excellent role model to your children, which will help them to be assertive as children and as adults.
• ·         You can set boundaries with your parents in such a way that they know you still love and respect them.
• ·         You know your friends are really friends and stay because they want to continue to be your friend.
• ·         You will probably gain respect from your supervisor, which can help you achieve your professional goals.
• ·         You will gain respect and loyalty from your employees.  You may also see an improvement in their work and productivity.
• ·         With customers, it is important to follow company policy.  Depending upon the situation, the best route might to be passive with the customer.  The assertive part would be reporting the incident and following policies.

The key is to express yourself with tact, thoughtfulness, professionalism, and consideration.  This demonstrates that you respect yourself and the other person.

What stories do you have concerning the benefits of being assertive?