Being assertive is a core communication skill. Assertiveness can help you express yourself effectively and stand up for your point of view, while also respecting the rights and beliefs of others. Being assertive can also help boost your self-esteem and earn others’ respect.

Being naive is not the same as being idealistic or innocent. It implies a weakness to danger and/or evil where one can become complicit in hurting yourself and others through action or inaction borne of a lack of experience or wisdom. It means someone is a liability.

Below are 11 tips on how to stop being nice in the workplace when you have to.

1. Be Direct About What You Want.
2. It’s Not Being Mean, It’s Being Firm.
3. Bring Topics Up When You Aren’t Emotional.
4. Use Silence To Your Advantage.
5. Come In Prepared.
6. Avoid A Challenge.
7. Think Of It As Not Stalling Your Career.

How to be assertive without being aggressive

1. Be clear. Try to ask for what you want openly and in a straightforward manner, and state your feelings clearly without directly or indirectly demeaning the other person.
2. Make eye contact.
3. Keep your posture positive.
4. Do your homework.
5. Take time out.
6. Avoid accusing.
7. Keep your cool.

Rudolf Dreikurs taught the importance of being both kind and firm in our relations with children. Kindness is important in order to show respect for the child. Firmness is important in order to show respect for ourselves and for the needs of the situation. Kindness and firmness are essential for Positive Discipline.

Inner Strength: How to Build a Firm Foundation for Living Your Best Life

1. Inner strength is created through effort and determination.
2. If you do not let them crush you, hardship and adversity provide a opportunities to steel your inner fortitude.
3. Increase your self-knowledge.
4. Choose self-acceptance.
5. Set boundaries.