Everyone wants to feel acknowledged and empowered. Being assertive in the workplace is a frequently misunderstood concept as there are many of us who confuse assertiveness with being aggressive and domineering. Assertiveness is a skill regularly referred to in social and communication skills training. Being assertive means being able to stand up for your own or other people's rights in a calm and positive way, without being either aggressive, or passively accepting 'wrong' and are able to get their point across without upsetting others, or becoming upset. Why should you attend? Assertive communication is the ability to express positive and negative ideas and feelings in an open, honest and direct way. Assertive communication techniques Everyone has the right to be his/her best and to act in her/his own best interest.