This excerpt was given to us to read by our counselor regarding conflict resolution. Basically there are three styles of conflict management… all are goal-oriented but these drives & behaviors are mostly unconscious.
They are:
Nonassertive – Goal is to avoid conflict
Assertive – Goal is to satisfy your needs and wants and to resolve conflicts in a way that is satisfying to both you and others.
Aggressive – Goal is to dominate and get one’s own way.

Rights and Responsibilities

1. I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

I have the responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect

2. I have the right to decide what is best for me.

I have the responsibility to allow others to decide what is best for them

3. I have the right to have and express my own feelings and opinions.

I have the responsibility to express those feelings and opinions respectfully without insults of putting others down.

4. I have the right to ask for what I want and need.

I have the responsibility to allow others to refuse my request, even though I might not like being refused.

5. I have the right to say no without feeling guilty.

I have the responsibility to allow others to say no.

6. I have to right to be listened to and taken seriously.

I have the responsibility to listen to others and take others seriously.

7. I have the right to make mistakes.

I have the responsibility to accept the consequences of those mistakes.

8. I have the right to all of my human weakness and limitations without guilt or shame.

I have the responsibility to be compassionate toward other’s weaknesses without ridiculing or resenting them.

9 I have the right to do what is necessary to protect my physical and mental health even though this sometimes requires nonassertive or aggressive behavior and discomfort in others.

I have the responsibility to do this in a way that causes the least amount of harm to both myself and others.

Individuals who enjoy positive healthy relationships live by this set of beliefs. Ultimately, these are the type of people you want in your life. When considering how others will respond to an assertive approach, remember the phrase “when you use a truly assertive style, those who matter don’t mind, and those who mind seldom matter.”

....just thought I'd share.....