Assertiveness is the ability to appear confident and verbalize one’s point of view without appearing threatening or stepping on the rights of others. It means a person can and will stand up for themselves, but will do so professionally and with civility - and not with aggression. On the other hand, aggressive communication includes yelling, judging, stonewalling, and otherwise violating another’s boundaries. At the other end of the spectrum is passive communication, characterized by standing down during conflict, not verbalizing points of view, and demonstrating introverted nonverbal communication such as looking down or folding arms across the chest.

Especially in today’s society, where civility seems to be disappearing and jobs and resources seem to be becoming scarce, the importance of standing up for oneself is paramount.

This course is highly interactive, and includes a workbook, activities and assessments.

Audience

Anyone and everyone in your organization.

Course Format Options

Off the shelf, this course is a half-day. We can also customize one for you.

Description

In order to be successful, all professionals need the ability to express ideas and thoughts in a manner that is professional and projects confidence. In this training, attendees will take several personal assessments to provide them with an understanding of their communication and conflict management styles. The course will cover effective conflict management, as well as provide techniques to demonstrate assertiveness at work and in life.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, attendees will be able to:

• Describe three different behavioral styles and five different conflict management styles
• Identify their own behavioral style and conflict management style in order to improve upon it
• Assess the risks and benefits to being assertive
• Characterize assertive and nonassertive (i.e., passive) behavior
• Implement techniques for improving self-esteem
• Utilize an easy 3-step model to verbalize disagreement with a co-worker
• Effectively communicate ideas and thoughts in a group setting
• Demonstrate assertive body language and understand its critical role in projecting confidence
• Deflect criticism and personal attacks
• Develop resilience
• Handle conflict confidently, effectively and professionally
• Implement a specific action plan to increase assertive communication
• Demonstrate assertiveness in a variety of social situations outside of work (a list of activities are provided in the attendee workbook)