Assertiveness
Improving Assertive Behaviors
-
Standing up for ones right no matter what the circumstances.
-
Correcting the situation when ones right are being violated.
-
Seeking respect and understanding for ones feelings about a particular situation.
-
Interacting in a mature manner with those to be offensive, defensive, hostile, attacking or otherwise unacceptable.
-
Direct behavior. Those using assertive behavior confront problems head on.
-
Verbal “I” statements
-
Taking the risk of being misunderstood as aggressive.
-
Being able to protect ones rights while protecting and respecting the rights of others.
-
Risk taking behavior that is not ruled by fear of rejection or disapproval, but is directed by the rational belief that, “I deserve to stand up for my rights.”
-
I have the right to say, “I don’t know.”
-
Rational thinking and the self-affirmation of personal worth, respect and rights.
-
A healthy style in which to conduct interpersonal relationships.
-
Finding a “win-win” solution to handling problems between two individuals.
3 Types of Communication
Non-Assertive behavior:
-
The act of withdrawing from a situation.
-
Passive in nature
-
Denial of ones feelings
-
Guilt
Examples:
-
Oh, it’s nothing.
-
Oh, that’s all right.
Aggressive behavior:
-
The act of reacting emotionally to a situation.
-
Self-enhancing
-
Put down others feelings
-
Hostility, humiliation of another person
Examples:
-
You are crazy!
-
Do it my way!
-
Sarcastic remarks
Assertive behavior:
-
The act of declaring that this is what I am, what I think and feel.
-
Open, direct self-expression
-
Allowing others to choose for themselves
Examples:
-
I think we should…
-
That seems unfair to me.
-
I appreciate your help.
-
I feel bad when…