Assertiveness and Aggressiveness are Two Important Traits

Personality traits in the workplace are a key part of the company culture. Assertive workplace personalities may appear to be confrontational, but the reality is that assertive and aggressive business approaches can serve as an asset to the company and the company culture.

Individuals who shy away from confrontation or engaging in conversations because of a difference of opinion may run the risk of feeling detached or engaged. Assertive workplace personalities do not have to be deemed confrontational or hostile. Employees who stand up for their own beliefs and thoughts about workplace practices benefit the company as a whole. For example, an assertive personality often exercises higher levels of consideration for co-workers' and customers' points of view, according to Training Specialist Dan Bobinski with Management-Issues. Assertive business approaches include listening and genuinely showing interest in other employees and clients to figure out their needs.

Aggressive business approaches are often a necessity in workplace environments that are fast-paced and deadline oriented. An employee who is aggressive and embraces assertive workplace personalities is typically a go-getter and a revenue booster for the company. An assertive and aggressive approach involves being firm yet polite with co-workers and clients. These individuals have a mindset focused on winning but a compassionate nature that embodies respect for others along the way.

Patience is a key challenge for assertive workplace personalities. Help these employees see the big picture to motivate and inspire their productivity. Recognize employee needs by allowing them to be involved in goal setting so they can develop an aggressive approach to achieving these goals.

Executives and managers who recognize that employee personality differences as an asset often create a more cohesive workplace environment, especially with generational differences within the company culture. Tailor your management styles to encourage assertive workplace personalities. Know how each employee is motivated and how different generations prefer to engage with each other and clients. For example, Generation X and millennial employees may be more assertive in asking for professional development opportunities and requesting feedback on job performance. Baby boomers typically exhibit assertive business personalities with a high level of respect for other employees, while millenials may focus more on individual performance goals.

From baby boomers and traditionalists to millenials and Generation X, assertive and aggressive personalities have stood the test of time. Enable employees to work to their strengths by encouraging assertiveness and aggressiveness and creating a workplace environment that demands mutual respect.

The challenges associated with aggressive approaches and assertive workplace personalities may be nonexistent if managers and executives recognize that these two personality traits are an asset and strength to the company, the co-workers and the clients. Companies that recognize these traits and nurture the self-motivating abilities of these individuals may see employee morale and company profits skyrocket.

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