MANAGEMENT & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Assertiveness Skills

Assertiveness? Isn’t that the same as aggression? Isn’t it just another way of manipulating people?

Assertiveness is a commonly misunderstood communication style. Being firm but fair, assertion involves standing up for our personal rights, thoughts, feelings and beliefs in direct, honest and appropriate ways which do not violate other people rights.

Aims of workshop

The assertive individual requires an ability to express all manner and types of emotions, both pleasant and unpleasant in open, direct, and honest way. The course aims to teach the difference between assertion (get and give respect), aggression (domination) non-assertion (appeasement) and the indirect, but obstructionist passive aggressive style.

Objectives

At the conclusion of the workshop participants should be able to:

Describe the nature of assertive behaviour
Distinguish assertive behaviour from aggressive, indirect and conflicting-avoiding approaches
Identify an individual's basic personal and workplace assertive rights and responsibilities
Outline the importance of the use of active language including 'I' statements
Assert themselves more effectively and get things done - without alienating others or losing respect

Workshop programme

Participants may be introduced to a range of subjects drawing on:

Basic Assertion
Rights and responsibilities
Handling aggression from others: non verbal behaviour, assertion, diffusion techniques, physical interventions
The consequences of aggression and non-assertion
The 'zingers' of passive aggressive behaviour: including persistent excuses, insults, buck passing, 'screwing up' and forgetting
Giving the other guy the bus fare home: Standing up for your own rights without denying others theirs (everybody deserves respect)
Choosing your words carefully, including the importance of 'I' statements
Making and refusing requests
Specific situations including:
Assertion in meetings
Negotiating changes in job title or function - or salary rises Colleagues and others who demand personal favours
Disagreeing with your manager
(or whatever the participants involved nominate)