OA Quiz: Are You a Pushover?

Do you have trouble asserting yourself? Have you ever conceded on an issue you strongly disagreed with to avoid conflict? Do you frequently let your coworkers and family members walk all over you? Or, do you have the opposite problem and refuse to submit to anyone? Take this quiz to find out whether or not you're a pushover.

Instructions:

Read each statement and select an answer that best describes what you would do in the situation. Although you may not find one that describes you perfectly, choose the one that works best.

1. You're collaborating with two work colleagues on a PowerPoint presentation. The day before the assignment's due, both coworkers claim to be too swamped with family responsibilities to finish it afterhours. As the group leader, you:

A. Say that you understand and wish their families well. After all, as the only unmarried member of the group, you certainly have more free time than them.

B. Politely explain that it's not fair for you to shoulder all of the responsibility for the project and request that they meet you in the morning to finish it.

C. Threaten to alert their bosses if they don't help you complete it.

2. You're out to lunch with a work buddy when the bill arrives. To "make it easy," your coworker tells the server to split the bill evenly. The problem? Her meal was at least $15 more than yours. You:

A. Remain silent. Speaking up would only draw attention to an awkward situation, right?

B. Ask your coworker to pay your part of the tip since you're covering some of her meal.

C. Tell the server that you would actually like separate checks since your meal was significantly less expensive.

3. As you're packing up for the day, your über-needy coworker taps you on the shoulder and asks you to help her with her monthly expense reports. You:

A. Gladly accept her request and stay with her until her report's finished.

B. Tell her that you're running late for another engagement but would be happy to e-mail her your expense report as a guide.

C. Say "no can do," and make a beeline for the front door.

4. You learn that your boss is quitting, which means that his position will be vacant. Excited, you tell your close work friend that you want to apply for it. Your coworker pretends to be supportive, but you later discover that she's applied for the job, too! You:

A. Wish her good luck. She's extremely hard-working and certainly deserves a promotion, too.

B. Feel slightly betrayed, but realize that the job's fair game for all applicants. However, you make a mental note to withhold certain work-related information from her.

C. Refuse to speak to her and badmouth her to the higher-ups. May the best candidate win!

5. For the past three months, you've been looking forward to attending your industry's national tradeshow. However, two weeks before you're scheduled to leave, your boss drops a bombshell: Your company's sending your coworker in your place. Upset, you:

A. Accept your company's decision and quietly sulk at your desk.

B. Explain that you've been anticipating the conference for months and politely demand an explanation for the switch.

C. Tell your boss that your company has made the wrong decision and angrily march out of her office.

Count the number of A's, B's and C's on your list.

If mostly A's appeared on your list: Face the facts: You're a pushover. You avoid confrontation at all costs and regularly let your coworkers and boss walk all over you. Although nobody likes conflict, it's important to be able to express yourself with grace and confidence. Perhaps it's also time to embrace the two-letter word that could set you free: "no." Need help being more assertive? Check out this helpful and informative article on the subject.

If mostly B's appeared on your list: Congratulations, you walk the perfect line between assertive and meek! Although you're certainly no shrinking violet, you also don't jump down people's throats when they share unfavorable news. Keep up the good work!

If mostly C's appeared on your list: Well, the good news is that you're not a pushover. However, you seem to have taken your assertiveness a tad too far. Remember: There's a big difference between allowing others to take advantage of you and being antagonistic. Fortunately, it is possible to speak your mind without jeopardizing your career. How? OfficeArrow explains it here.