What distinguishes assertive communication from aggressive communication during salary negotiation?

Assertive communication during salary negotiation is distinguished from aggressive communication by its focus on clearly and respectfully advocating for one's own needs and interests while also acknowledging and respecting the other party's perspective, whereas aggressive communication prioritizes one's own needs at the expense of the other party. Assertive communication involves stating your desired salary range with confidence, providing a rationale based on your skills, experience, and market research, and being willing to compromise and find mutually acceptable solutions. It emphasizes collaboration and finding a win-win outcome. For example, an assertive statement might be 'Based on my research and experience, I am seeking a salary in the range of $X to $Y. I am confident that my skills and contributions will bring significant value to your team, and I am open to discussing how we can reach a mutually agreeable compensation package.' Aggressive communication, on the other hand, involves making demands, using threats or ultimatums, and disregarding the other party's needs or constraints. It aims to dominate the negotiation and achieve one's own goals without regard for the impact on the other party. For example, an aggressive statement might be 'I will not accept anything less than $Z, and if you can't meet my demands, I will walk away.' Assertive communication fosters a positive and collaborative negotiation environment, while aggressive communication can damage relationships and potentially jeopardize the job offer.