ABSTRACT
Assertiveness is key to communicating our needs in a respectful way. But what is it? Bar-On (2013) provided three key elements of assertiveness: an ability to express ourselves on an emotional level, an ability to express ourselves on a cognitive level, and an ability to stand up for personal rights, not letting others take advantage of us. Similar to other facets of emotional intelligence, assertiveness relies on effective self-awareness. Without a full understanding of self, assertiveness is not possible.
