What is assertiveness? It is a man who can stay calm and collected, yet have the ability to speak up when necessary. Not in an overbearing manner, but straightforward and respectful.

Here is an excerpt from 5 Attributes of Authentic Masculinity that applies to this topic.

An assertive man is the polar opposite of a passive man. He not only has a backbone made of titanium but he exerts energy when he sees fit. He knows when to speak up, and when risk should be taken.

Now it is essential, though, to expose the difference between an assertive man and an overbearing man. Let's chat about this for a second.

- An assertive man knows when to take action; he speaks his mind, yet, he is open to being wrong, he has the ability to adapt, but can also hold his ground when necessary. An assertive man can take action in life knowing full well that he will have things to learn along the way.

- An overbearing man is someone who acts out of insecurity. He belittles other’s ideas, emotions, and dreams. He is the source of frustration in team efforts and is a know-it-all. It is his way or the highway 100% of the time and is not open to change.

Now I am trying to polarize the two so that you can see the difference, but in life, it is not always so obvious. So proceed carefully.

Another huge indicator of an assertive man is that he will also be a man of action, and the fear of failure does not constrain him. Take a moment in and observe throughout your life, ask yourself who is assertive in your life, and learn from them what you can.