Through active participation in role plays and intensive group discussion, you will discover the causes of common misunderstandings and solutions. You will begin to understand how to give and take constructive criticism, and how this can help to build and maintain winning relationships with people in your professional life.

 Objectives:

• Understand the philosophy of being assertive.

• Recognize the differences between assertive, aggressive, and manipulative behavior and minimize their effects on you.

• Determine your assertiveness quotient and communication style with self-assessment exercises.

• Familiarize yourself with non-verbal and verbal communication techniques to enhance your assertive communication skills.

• Gain the courage to be assertive in the most appropriate and effective way.

• Learn to express and accept disapproval and disagreement without opposition.

• Learn to negotiate mutually beneficial relationships.

• Become able to resolve conflict and pressure situations without destroying the spirit of cooperation.

• Translate what you learn into action.

Outline:

Let's Become Assertive

                A. Assess Your Assertiveness Quotient And Leadership Styles

                B. Recognize Submissive, Assertive, And Aggressive Behaviors

                C. Identify Primary Patterns And How They Relate To Work/Home

Key Aspects of Effective Assertive Communication

                A. Language: Verbal And Non-Verbal

                                1. Body language/demeanor, tone, and manners

                                2. Perception and reception
 

Making Sure The Message Fits The Situation

                                1. Focusing on honest, open, and appropriate communication

                                2. KISS - keep it short and simple

                                3. Dealing with stress

                B. Acknowledging Your Own Needs Along With Others' Needs

                C. Negotiating Mutually Beneficial Relationships

                                1. Agreement styles (war, competition, cooperation, collaboration, consensus)

                D. Choosing What You Say Confidently And Accurately So Others Understand

                                1. Follow-ups, follow-through, and explanations

                E. Expressing Disapproval, And Disagreement Without Opposing

                                1. Saying "No" (where, when and how) without feeling guilty

                        2. Saying "I don't know", "I don't understand", and "I made a mistake"

                                                a. special circumstances

                F. Refusing Requests That Interfere With Your Job

Benefits of Assertive Behavior

                                1. Lose-lose, win-lose, and win-win

          B. Not Always Winning, But Always Understanding -- How You Play The Game

                B. Working On/Out Misunderstandings

Application and Practice

                B. Case Studies And Role Plays