Conflict-Management Skills - Assertiveness

Conflict-Management Skills - Assertiveness

People basically fall into one of the three types of personalities - passive, aggressive
and assertive.

• Passive Personalities – These people rarely get involved, do not often
complain and frequently exhibit submissive non-verbal communication. This
non-verbal communication is demonstrated by the individual talking in a soft
voice, having speech hesitation, and lack of eye contact. They usually appear
happy in their jobs, but when pushed to the limit their thoughts and emotions
can erupt in unpredictable ways.

• Aggressive Personalities – Aggressive persons have strong opinions and
ideas and are not afraid to express their ideas at the expense of others. They
seem like they have a chip on their shoulder and are seen as overbearing and
sarcastic….sometimes even rude.

• Assertive Personalities – People who are assertive stand up for themselves,
express needs or concerns in direct appropriate ways, and always respect the
rights of others. They use open body language, maintain eye contact, and are
not afraid to ask why.

Being assertive helps individuals:
1. reduce stress for them and for those who work with them
2. resolve problems more quickly
3. increase productivity
4. express what they want
5. sort out the relevant and the irrelevant things

If there are two individuals with similar skill sets and experience, it is likely to be the
more assertive one who is successful. While some  individuals are naturally more
assertive than others, it is possible to learn assertive behaviour which in turn will ensure
you are in the frame for new roles and opportunities.