There's a line there somewhere. A good level of charisma is the difference between an asshole and being assertive and dominant!
Being assertive can either command respect or make people feel threatened, so you have to know how/when to use it.
It's very situational. It's entirely possible think of yourself as being "pro-active and assertive" when, in reality, you're "pushy, rude and reckless". Part of being assertive in a good way is knowing when, how and with whom to be assertive.
Backseat driving is assertive, and we all know how much people hate that.
Last edited by Eats Compost; 2013-10-12 at 10:03 AM.