Asserting Ourselves

Do we make our presence felt? Do we assert ourselves on the music - attempting to steer it to somewhere we want it to go? Do we need to ask permission for this to happen?

I'm interested in the idea that group music making is a society. In Cold Bath Street I try to make sure that everyone has chance to be heard but often end up asserting myself in my own playing through volume and forceful attack to steer the music. So maybe I don't meet my aims??