Two Perspectives on Assertiveness-Why, When and How
Two Perspectives is a monthly column with two different perspectives on the same topic from two different continents, cultures and genders viz Janet Smith Warfield, Florida, USA and Dr Amit Nagpal, New Delhi, India Janet Smith Warfield's Perspective Assertiveness, yes. Aggressiveness, no. What is the difference? Assertiveness is absolutely vital if we want to get our needs met. To be assertive means to express one’s needs to those who may be able to help with no attachment to the results. Aggressiveness destroys relationships. To be aggressive means to pressure or manipulate someone else into doing what we want them to do, whether they want to or not. Recently, I purchased a bag of manure at Wal-Mart. It was heavy - more than I could easily lift alone. I asked one of the Wal-Mart employees if he could help. He said, “Sure. Just drive your car over here to the entrance and I’ll put it in the trunk for you.” I went to my car and drove to the entra...