Assertiveness Training Course: Our top tips to becoming assertive

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Assertion means standing up for what you want. Stating your needs clearly. It means expressing opposition. It means confrontation and it takes courage. Some find it harder than others because of their natural easy-going style and therefore more practice is required. However, the aim should not be just to gain a win. The aim should be to solve the problem and get the best result. Assertion should not be synonymous with aggression because aggressive people adopt an ‘I win – you lose’ mentality to achieve their objectives.

Assertiveness does not come naturally to all because we have all learned passive behaviours to stave off confrontational situations. However these behaviours can be unlearned and assertive behaviour used to produce results that benefit both parties. Assertiveness training courses and workshops can help delegates increase work effectiveness and productivity, achieve greater control of their daily activities and overcome work stressors.

Here are our top tips to becoming assertive:

  1. Seek at all times to solve rather than just gain a personal win, by understanding what the other person has said, even if you don’t agree with it.
  2. Challenge in a non-aggressive manner by asking for clarification and listen in order to understand.
  3. If you need to assert yourself, do so by talking about your concerns and reasons rather than by accusing others of error or “putting them down” by name calling and other means.
  4. Acknowledge your true feelings to yourself
  5. Be clear, direct and specific in what you say
  6. If necessary, keep repeating your message
  7. Adopt appropriate body language to back up your assertion
  8. Keep calm and stick to the point
  9. Respect the rights of the other person
  10. Ask yourself these questions
  11. How can I express my message more clearly?
  12. How can I be more specific about what I have to say?
  13. Am I likely to have to repeat my message? Will I feel comfortable doing this?
  14. Am I prepared to listen to the other party and at the same time stick to my message?
  15. What body language will I use to back up my message?

Our one-day Assertiveness Skills courses will provide delegates with valuable tips and information including:

This course will allow delegates to develop confidence and self-esteem so that their opinions will no longer go un-noticed in the workplace. Assertiveness training will provide delegates with effective tactics to build courage and defy work bullies. Those who have attended the courses have expressed that becoming more assertive at work was made easier once they applied the techniques gained from the seminar.

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