This week's business communication chapter deals with interpersonal communication and teamwork. One of the more interest things this chapter dealt with--and which many people confuse--is assertive vs. aggressive communication style.

Aggressive communication does not take into consideration people's feelings, thoughts, or rights; the focus is on the aggressor being correct at all costs, and such behaviors and attitudes are usually accompanied by words such as, "You're so stupid" or "That idea was the worst idea you've had yet. How did you even make management?"

In contrast, assertive communication assures that all have a voice and active participation. The assertive person will recognize the thoughts, rights, opinions, and feelings of his or her fellow co-workers, while asserting his or her own and working to achieve a comfortable balance for all involved. As one who used to interchange the two terms, I learned that one does not have to be aggressive to be assertive. I look back on past job experiences, and I see where someone (or even I, myself) has made the mistake of being overly aggressive, believing that they were just asserting themselves. It's only when the situation is carefully reviewed that one learns the proper balance and degree to assert oneself before crossing the line from assertive to aggressive.