Assertiveness
Assertiveness is not aggressiveness, it involves respecting
the rights and dignity of both others and ourselves. Our
natural tendency is for “fight “ or
“flight.” By learning effective assertiveness
skills, we are able to discover our “third”
option - verbal assertions.
Participants will gain an understanding of:
• Assertiveness Style – “Influence Style
Inventory”
Using a nationally recognized assessment, participants
determine their own tendencies toward passive, assertive,
and two types of aggressive behavior. The interpretive
section describes each influence pattern and we explore the
payoffs and penalties of each.
• Getting Your Point Across - Developing Assertive
Messages
Learn to get your message across clearly and convincingly
while maintaining respect for yourself and for the other
person. Focus on three critical steps - non-judgmental
description of behavior, disclosure of feelings, and
clarification of tangible effects.
• Dealing With Defensiveness - A Six Step Process
In the face of people’s predictable defensive
responses, a simple statement of assertion is rarely
sufficient. This six-step process helps to improve your
effectiveness in defensive situations.
• Increasing Your Options - Dealing with Difficult
Behaviors
Learn specific techniques for dealing with difficult
responses that include handling hostility, overcoming
withdrawal, coping with tears, sidestepping debates, and
dealing with questions.
• Building On The Basics - Advanced Assertive
Techniques
Learn specific techniques to use in dealing with different
situations and behaviors. Learn when to apply each
technique and how to use each effectively.
• Receiving Criticism Constructively
Participants learn not only how to assert themselves with
respect, but they also learn how to receive criticism from
others without being defensive. Using many of the
techniques learned earlier, they practice listening, asking
specific questions, sharing their thoughts, and most
importantly focusing on the solution.