Assertiveness

Duration 2 days

Overview

The way we behave depends on how we learned to cope with life as we grew up - and most of us will admit that our reactions are not always appropriate or effective. Aggression, sometimes perceived as an asset, can produce short term success but at the expense of generating conflict, ill-feeling and damaged relationships.

Submissiveness may protect us from immediate pain but may result in diminishing self-confidence, giving the impression that we are weak individuals leadihng others to take advantage.

People who are in control and able to relate to others openly and honestly, in a spirit of co-operation, enhance their personal effectiveness through assertive behaviour.

Objectives

By the end of the course participants will be able to:

recognise the characteristics of aggression, submission and assertion and the effect these behaviours have on themselves and the reaction of others

identify ways of building self-esteem and developing confidence

use appropriate and effective techniques for staying 'in control' and aiming for a positive outcome in a variety of sensitive and difficult situations

give and receive constructive criticism

identify their dominant behaviour style and outline an action plan for developing assertiveness

Intended Audience

People who wish to improve their personal effectiveness through confident, clear, relaxed and appropriate interaction with others. The course is also of particular value to those whose role requires decisiveness, and those who often have to deal with emotionally charged situations.

Course Content:

Assertiveness
understanding assertiveness and how it differs from aggression and submission
learning to be assertive - the process
recognising the needs of others
rights v responsibilities

Building confidence
self-esteem
how self esteem affects confidence
how self-esteem influences behaviour
action plan for building self esteem and developing confidence

Communication environment
what influences the way we are perceived
verbal and non-verbal signals
techniques for creating the right emotional and psychological environment

Assertive techniques
saying what you mean - making your message clear
giving and receiving praise without embarrassment
saying 'no' to unreasonable requests
understanding criticism - how it affects ourselves and others
giving and receiving criticism effectively
asking for what you want

Action plan for continued development