Being assertive is not the same as being aggressive. As management expert Cy Charney explains in his newly revised book The Instant Manager, “Assertiveness is confidence translated into action. It is neither bullying nor brow-beating, but is simply allowing your convictions to carry a conversation. Honesty combined with a non-confrontational manner will make assertiveness one of the most valuable tools in your managerial toolkit.”
So, “Are You Assertive Enough?” Take this short quiz from The Instant Manager to find out.
Answer “Yes” or “No” to each question. Do you…
How to interpret your score
If you answered “Yes” to:
8 to 11 of the questions: You need serious improvement. Take an acting or public speaking course, review your accomplishments—whatever will boost your self-confidence.
4 to 7 of the questions: You're just squeaking by. Try some speaking and body-language techniques and learn to keep your cool.
0 to 3 of the questions: You're just about right. Keep it up!
Excerpted from The Instant Manager—More than 100 Quick Tips & Techniques for Great Results, by Cy Charney (AMACOM 2004). Click here to read a sample chapter from the book. Click here for a complete listing of AMACOM's extensive catalog of business titles.
To learn more about developing your assertiveness, consider these AMA seminars:
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