ABSTRACT
It is possible to learn different ways of behaving and to practise more 'positive' behaviour to a point where you can use it at will, even in difficult situations; one example is assertive behaviour. Assertive behaviour describes ways of relating to and interacting with other people that recognize and respect the rights, feelings, needs and opinions of both parties. Assertiveness is not about getting what you want all the time. Assertive behaviour is the most positive of the four approaches – aggressive, manipulative, passive, assertive. Like all skills, assertiveness needs practice in the appropriate context; from that experience one can go on learning and developing the skills. Discussion is a feature of many kinds of activities in the workplace. An assertive approach to discussion, whatever its purpose, can help one as an individual as well as the process of the discussion, thereby making it more effective from everyone's perspective.
