As an RA you are a person and a resident of your floor as well, therefore you have certain rights that must be respected. Also assertiveness is important when confronting bad behavior. However, there is a big difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness. Assertive behavior is that which respects the rights of both you and the person in which the behavior is directed. Aggressive behavior is that which overpowers and degrades the person to which it is directed.
People are more inclined to respond to assertive behavior than aggressive behavior.
Another important quality of a successful RA is to be yourself. Don't try to be someone that your are not. This will make you look fake and people will quickly pick up on that. As a result you might not get much respect from your residents. Eric Honeycutt - North Carolina State University A. Exemplify positive behavior.