All core values
Performance
Assertiveness
Stating your position, needs, and boundaries clearly and respectfully, without aggression or apology.
Behaviors
- Says no with a reason, not a excuse
- Raises the unpopular point in the room
- Asks directly for what they need
Anti-patterns
- Aggression dressed up as candor
- Hinting instead of asking
- Silence followed by resentment
Reinforce it with
- Negotiation and difficult-conversation training
- Leaders rewarding dissent in meetings
- Clear escalation paths
Assertiveness keeps honest tension in the room where it can be useful.