Assertiveness often gets a bad rap. People who are self-confident and forceful can be cast as pushy and annoying. But when balanced with other critical skills, being assertive can help you excel at other things:
Fostering teamwork: Teams thrive when their members are able to express not-always-popular points of view. Use your self-confidence to set a tone that allows other people to speak up.
Leading change: Constructive change requires bold moves. Be assertive and break through the resistance that often arises during a change effort.
Acting with integrity: When coupled with honesty, assertiveness gives you the courage to stand up for what you know is right.
Source: Harvard Business Publishing : Today's Management Tip was adapted from "The One Skill All Leaders Should Work On" by Scott Edinger.