When it comes to human behavior, it should not come as a surprise that Humans, as a whole, are multifaceted species, capable of disparate behaviors within a brief timeframe. When it comes to human behavior, we often tend to react rather than reason out the changed circumstances.
Think of it in terms of “knee-jerk movements,” You should get a better idea of human behavior and what it’s all about. If you are still mulling over Assertiveness vs. aggressiveness, you need to read on.
While most assume that assertive behavior is terrible, in reality, it is not, especially when compared to being assertive. To put it in simple terms, being assertive generally has positive connotations whereas being aggressive,m has negative ones. That should enable you to work out the significant differences between Assertiveness vs aggressiveness.
The critical difference between Assertiveness and aggressiveness:
When it comes to it, only a thin line divides the two. It’s no wonder some people get confused between the two to the point that they often use one instead of the other. Think about it, how often have you heard someone use the term “aggressive” when in reality, they were supposed to comment “assertive”?
A thin line divides the two, and you must learn how to differentiate between the two. And that’s all the more reason you want to check out the post, so read on.
- What is “assertiveness”?
The term assertive is typically used to imply direct conversation. Rather than stick with the nuances of manners and a roundabout way of discussing issues, you opt to be direct and communicate the needful. That’s being assertive.
Being assertive also indicates that you are respectful of others in the current situation, and keeping in mind, you go ahead and communicate your apprehensions/ concerns.
The term assertive has seemingly changed its definition since it was first used in modern English. But overall, it comes with a positive connotation, not a negative one. And assertive leadership is often required when communicating clear-cut directions to the rest of your group.
After all, Assertiveness is often a mandatory quality in leadership. Irrespective of whether you are in charge of the local garage sale or a whole country, you will do well to remember that being assertive is not bad and, at times, often necessary to get your point of view across.
- What is “Aggressiveness”?
Aggressive behavior has all the hallmarks of a negative quality. The general public often gets the terms assertive and aggressive mixed up and used interchangeably. They are not the same.
If you plan to be aggressive, you may need to rethink. One of the reasons that aggressiveness is often touted as a negative quality is that you try to usurp the rest of the conversation to the point of trying to control others.
Being aggressive generally includes putting your needs first without regard or concern for others. It can also lead to aggressive behavior, which often leads to physical fights and altercations, where you instigate the lot. All these fall under the ambit of aggressive behavior. Think Hulk, and you should get it.
- Assertive leadership?
It may surprise you to learn that being assertive when and if a situation calls for it can provide you with several advantages. It’s time to look closely at some of these assertive behavior-related advantages.
For starters, it enables you to build stronger relationships by showing respect for others. You will find that when it comes to Assertiveness, you will encounter little to no power struggles.
Think about it. You are planning a hostile takeover – in such a scenario, the last thing you would need is a leadership challenge. That’s why being assertive is a good quality when being a leader in charge of a group of people, a company, or even a whole country. People often need directions; they must be told what to do and when to do it.
Apart from this, Assertiveness also comes with other advantages, such as helping to resolve conflict in others, building self-esteem, and helping to reduce feelings of disappointment, anxiety, resentment, and helplessness in others.
- Aggressive behavior:
Aggressive behavior is rarely tolerated for long. Aggressive leaders often bother not to listen to others’ concerns or worries. They pay little heed to their worries or daily concerns to the point that they are often painted as tyrants.
In short, they tend to get by bullying others daily to get what they require. This is aggressive behavior, and no wonder it comes with negative connotations.
These are the critical differences between Assertiveness and Aggressiveness. Hope reading this post makes it easier for you to discern between the two.
