Non-assertive

Characterized by a lack of confidence and an unwillingness to express one's needs, opinions, or feelings directly and firmly. A non-assertive individual often avoids conflict and tends to put the needs of others before their own, leading to potential feelings of resentment or being taken advantage of. This behavior may stem from a fear of confrontation, rejection, or a desire to maintain harmony at all costs. It stands in contrast to assertive behavior, which balances self-advocacy with respect for others, and aggressive behavior, which prioritizes one's own needs without regard for the feelings of others. This may present challenges in settings that reward outspoken individuals, leading to opportunities missed or boundaries overstepped.

Non-assertive meaning with examples

• Sarah's non-assertive nature meant she always agreed with her colleagues' ideas in meetings, even when she had better suggestions, ultimately hindering her professional growth.
• Mark's inability to say 'no' to extra tasks at work, a clear symptom of his non-assertive personality, resulted in him feeling overworked, stressed, and resentful towards his colleagues.
• Because of their non-assertive communication style, the team constantly missed deadlines due to the lack of direct instructions being handed down.
• She remained silent during the negotiation, displaying a non-assertive attitude that allowed the other party to dictate the terms of the agreement, much to her later regret.