In order to be diplomatic, you should be assertive rather than __________.

Being diplomatic is about effectively communicating your thoughts and opinions while maintaining respect for others. Assertiveness is a key skill in this genre, allowing you to express your needs and desires clearly without undermining or disrespecting those of others.

The idea behind being assertive rather than aggressive is that assertiveness involves standing up for yourself in a way that is respectful to others, whereas aggression can lead to confrontations and hostility. Aggressive behavior typically involves attacking or dominating others, which undermines the purpose of diplomacy. Therefore, the focus is on maintaining a constructive dialogue rather than creating conflict.

Other terms, while they might seem relevant, do not encapsulate the idea of diplomacy in the same way. For instance, being passive or submissive indicates a lack of willingness to express one’s viewpoint, which is contrary to being assertive. Indifference suggests a lack of care or concern, which again does not align with the engagement characteristic of a diplomatic approach. Thus, assertiveness stands out as the necessary quality that establishes a balance between respect and self-advocacy in diplomatic exchanges.