• How to resist pressure and dominance of excessively dominant people
• How to face and stand up to bullies
• How to exert control in situations that are important to them.

Dominance for the sake of being dominate is not advisable. Majority of the people are assertive by nature. It is the personality of a few which makes them dominant due to their insecure feelings.

Before you become more assertive, you should understand the personality of excessively dominant people and why they behave dominantly.

Most excessively dominant people are usually bullies. They become bullies because deep-down they are very insecure people. They want to dominate because they are too insecure to allow other people to have responsibility and influence, and this behaviour is generally conditioned from childhood for one reason or another. The dominant bullying behaviour is effectively reinforced by the response given by 'secure' and 'non-assertive' people to bullying. The bully gets his or her own way. The bullying dominant behaviour is rewarded, and so it continues.

This behaviour should also be understood from a management perspective. Good leadership is inclusive, developmental, and a force for what is right. Good leadership does not 'dominate' non-assertive people, it includes them and involves them. Dominance as a management style is not good in any circumstances. It is based on short-term rewards and results, mostly for the benefit of the dominant, and it fails completely to make effective use of team-members' abilities and potential.

By using simple techniques you can resist pressure and dominance from dominant people and exert control in situations that are important to them. It is quite enjoyable and fulfilling. You should understand where you stand as far as assertiveness is concerned - a starting point. You should understand that non-assertive behaviour is a sign of strength and it is the most appropriate behaviour for most of the situations. It is not necessary for you to be always assertive. Understand where and when you want to be assertive and what level of assertiveness you want to exercise. Probably you want to be assertive to defend yourself and control your choices and destiny. You should never use assertiveness to control others.

By following the methods given below you can be assertive and control situations that are important to you and to defend yourself from more assertive people:

Understand the situation. Know the facts and the details. If you know and can produce facts to support or defend your position it is unlikely that the aggressor will have anything prepared in response. When you know that a situation is going to arise, over which you'd like to have some influence, prepare your facts, do your research, do the sums, get the facts and figures, solicit opinion and views, be able to quote sources; then you will be able to make a firm case, and also dramatically improve your reputation for being someone who is organised and firm. Be proactive - be ready or anticipate other people's behaviour and prepare your responses. Be open and ask good questions Practise your responses or reactions to aggressive behaviours from others. It is more important to have faith in yourself. You should have faith in your abilities. Read inspirational quotes and essays to reinforce your faith in proper values and all the good thing required to live your own natural style of life.

Understanding assertiveness and learning how to interact effectively within personal and business relationships is a skill that creates positive results for everyone.

Assertive communication is the ability to speak and interact in a manner that considers and respects the rights and opinions of others while also standing up for your own rights, needs and personal boundaries.

Understanding assertiveness and learning how to effectively communicate in both personal and business relationships is a skill that creates positive impact on others as well as yourself. Assertive communication creates opportunities for open discussion with a variety of opinions, needs and choices to be respectfully heard and considered in order to achieve a win-win solution to problems rather than selfishly (aggressively) demanding to “get my own way”.

Using Asertive Speech and Behaviours has the following benefits

• Reduces anxiety and stress often caused by misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Allows you to express your thoughts and feelings clearly and effectively.
• Self-esteem and self-confidence is enhanced and you have better control over your own life.
• Others have more respect for your ideas and opinions by knowing where you stand.
• Relationships with others are greatly improved by disagreeing without being hostile.
• Having the ability to say “no” when you mean “no” without feeling self-conscious.
• Motivates others to clearly state their own opinions and ideas.
• Allows you to ask for help when needed without fear and stress.