Home

Course Finder

 
View all courses
 

 | Print

Your Right to Be Assertive

Jeanie Marshall

The first step in any effort to be more assertive is an inner step -- recognizing your own needs and desires. This is obvious when stated, but often overlooked in real life. Getting in the habit of checking, really checking, your honest thoughts, feelings, wants, and needs is essential in effective assertive behavior. It is very easy to get in the habit of acting today as you acted on previous occasions, yet you might choose a different action if you ask yourself, What do I really want right now? If you can be honest with yourself, you are ready to be honest with others.

To be actively assertive, you must make a clear and direct statement of your needs or desires or anything beyond what feels safe. A clear and direct statement that opens a conversation is enough. Assertiveness requires interaction with others; it is not simply a monologue of demands. Your initial statement, and all the statements that make up a conversation, need to be honest, direct, and straightforward.

To continue reading, please download the PDF article.

Articles

Download

  • "  Steve´s extensive experience was evident in the many real world examples he was able to provide during the course. It helps to be able to apply concepts to real life examples.  "

  • "  Susan Diamond is great! I would not change anything in the way she delivered the seminar. I would attend Susan's seminars again!  "

    Marie Babic
    Workplace Safety & Insurance

  • "  What I liked most was the high level of interaction. We were constantly discussing situations, working in groups, and role-playing. This made it easier to absorb the information, adding practical scenarios for easy understanding and relating. Most importantly, Fred made the course fun - the time flew by.  "

  • "  We all took away things that we can use in all walks of life.  "