There is a big difference between assertive behavior and an assertive personality. Assertive behavior that is also respectful while still allowing a person to make their own needs and wants known is healthy.

An assertive personality means that someone is prone to a communication style that can be overbearing or sometimes even bullying. Assertive behavior can be respectful of the needs and wants of others.

Assertive communication is a healthy way for a person that has trouble standing up for themselves to communicate with others without allowing others to control or manipulate them. 

Assertiveness training teaches more than just how to be assertive. Assertiveness training teaches people how to handle tense situations without being confrontational but also without giving up their personal autonomy. 

When people know that their needs matter and that they have the right to prioritize their own needs they can listen to others and communicate clearly and openly without being combative but also without letting themselves be manipulated. 

Assertiveness training encourages people to speak up for themselves and make their feelings known. 

Assertiveness training will teach you the following assertive behaviours:

• Saying no to demands and requests
• Setting boundaries and sticking with them/being firm
• Talking about things that bother you or addressing problems
• Asking others for help, favours, requests
• Beginning, changing and ending conversations
• Expressing feelings, thoughts, opinions, experiences
• Sharing positive and/or negative emotions
• Challenging rules/traditions that are unfair, don’t work, don’t make any sense.