Understanding Aggressiveness vs Passivity vs Assertiveness

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Assertiveness is the balance between Aggressiveness and Passivity and is a characteristic of someone who is Emotionally Intelligent. When you are assertive, you are able to state your point of view in a way that is clear and direct, while still respecting others. Learning to communicate in an assertive manner empowers you to minimize conflict in an emotionally intelligent way. Assertiveness is a powerful way to communicate in both personal and professional relationships. Assertiveness will gain you respect and influence in ways Aggressiveness and Passivity never will. Yet, it is a style of communication which many people struggle to put into practice, partly because it is seldom discussed nor defined and partly because it takes practice.

Defining all three may help you to interpret the areas where you may need to work on this valuable communication skill. 

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Michelle L Steffes is a Certified Speaker, Corporate Trainer, Executive Coach and Author of two books: "Reframe & Rewire" (also available on Audible) and "The Machine Inside Me." Discover more and contact her through her website, IPV Consulting.