How to be assertive

Assertiveness takes time, patience and guts. It doesn't "just happen".

You need to:
• Value yourself and others around you.

• Think about what you want, and think about whether it is fair and respectful.

• Discuss your needs and feelings clearly, openly and honestly.

• Stay calm, cool and collected while talking about them.

• Be open to new ways of thinking about yourself, others and situations.

• Give compliments to people and take them when you get them back.

• Be open to fair criticism and not be afraid to make fair criticism yourself.

• Acknowledge yours and others rights.

• Negotiate and make compromises.

• Problem-solve and collaborate with others to do this.

The key to assertiveness is clear, open and honest discussion that does not blame, ridicule or put other people down.