Aggressiveness in the Workplace: Is It Always a Bad Thing or Can It Be Beneficial?

Being aggressive is not necessarily a bad quality. However, can we discuss this further?

Hi,

It is important to understand where you need to be and where you need not be. Whether it's pushing sales figures, turning around an organization from a deep red position, motivating lazy staff to contribute, eliminating office politics, or weeding out unhealthy competition, you need to be aggressive.

However, when dealing with teammates, bosses, customers, shareholders, complex human situations, or tricky business scenarios, being aggressive can lead to negative and abrasive reactions. After all, aggression is like a concrete wall – when you throw a ball at it, you get it back at the same speed, sometimes even injuriously fast.

Kind regards,

Dayanand L Guddin
HR Advisor
Bobst India
Pune

Yes, Mr. Dayanand has made it very clear. There is a very thin line between being aggressive and being assertive. If you know the difference, you can best use it.

I also agree with the gentlemen here regarding professional/work situations. However, I also believe that a certain amount of aggression in the mental make-up is necessary. For one, people do not try to push/maraud you, and it is an essential element in a good personality. The aggression element need not be overt, but if it is subtly visible.

Being aggressive and assertive are very different things, and the difference isn't hairline. Having aggression in one's mental makeup and behaving aggressively are not synonymous.

To understand why aggressive behavior is not okay but aggression in one's mental makeup is, and to learn about assertive behavior, it is advisable to delve into the appropriate literature on the subject. One such resource that I am aware of, and also possess in non-electronic form, is the book by M. Burly Allen.

I agree with most of the points on the difference between aggression and assertiveness. In my opinion, it is the response of the other person we are dealing with that influences our behavior. The ideal approach is to be assertive initially, and in situations where there is no response, resorting to aggression may be necessary, which the other person involved may also understand.

Srini
Madurai

Aggressive behavior or attitude has no place in any field of management, least of all in relationship building, which is the foundation of all management concepts. Assertive behavior is also to be well-placed - when, where, and how - as assertion in excess will be perceived as aggressive behavior. Assertion is better when there is a clear knowledge of the subject being dealt with, which will help bring about the desired results. One needs to learn and gain experience in this fine skill.

Capt. Siva

Hi,

Being aggressive is not good in the office environment. Being assertive is good for your health and for your quality of work life. You should understand the difference between assertive vs. aggressive and between submissive vs. manipulative.

Suresh

Aggression is something that all living beings possess. At some point in time, this aggression may manifest in the form of physical, mental, or verbal means. Assertiveness is sometimes confused with aggression. I agree with Dayanand about the difference.

We have seen people use the word "aggressive" mostly in sports. However, sometimes people confuse being aggressive as something that may be good and helps in achieving results. Youngsters sometimes ask me why, if aggressive captaining led Dhoni to win the match for India, this aggression is not considered good for them. For me, it is the way one uses their body language that shows the form of aggression. Prolonged aggression may cause illness in a person. A person should always have an attitude. By attitude, I mean a positive attitude and not ego. If a person doesn't think that they have an attitude, then it would be difficult for them to achieve something.

Hope we find somebody to share experiences of aggression in their work life or daily life. We can all learn from each other.

Regards,
Anuradha
[MINDSHARE HR Consultancy Private Limited](http://www.mindsharehr.com)

I want to agree with Capt. Siva. One's state of aggressiveness may be viewed oppositely. More importantly, being aggressive or assertive follows a process before you rightly or wrongly hit either of the two states. Since life situations are dynamic, the same applies to the workplace. I wish to state that the ability to acquire the desired skill to achieve the desired result is very germane. The literary works we read on HR are only a guide, but the application is another kettle of fish.

Greetings from Nigeria, many thanks to senior colleagues.