What Is Assertiveness?

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MTL: The Professional Development Programme
What Is Assertiveness?
WHAT IS
ASSERTIVENESS?
What it means to be an assertive person

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Learn.
What Is
Assertiveness?
Introduction: In our relationships with others, we all have it in us to behave in ways
which are either predominantly aggressive or passive. These tendencies carry with
them heavy burdens: aggression leads to conflict and revenge by others; passivity
leads to low self-esteem and thoughts of "what-might-have-been". Learning how
to be assertive is the route back to whole and healthy relationships.

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Devise your own definition of what assertiveness means
1.
DEFINITIONS
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The dictionary definitions of "assertiveness" have
a range of descriptions that don't quite capture
the essence of Assertiveness. You'll read
"dogmatic", "forthright", "positive", "confident"
and "insistent". Don't be fooled. These are only
starting points. Assertiveness is much more than
any of these.

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2. ORIGINS
One clue to the meaning of Assertiveness lies in
its origins. Assertiveness came to most people's
awareness in the late 20th century in connection
with movements such as Civil Rights in America,
the women's movement, and the self-
development movement. These were all non-
forceful movements and they were all successful
in changing the rights of under-privileged groups.
Assertiveness was, and is, a tool in the women’s movement
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For some, assertiveness is a feature of a personal journey
3. THE
ASSERTIVE
JOURNEY
Writer Beverley Hare describes Assertiveness in
terms of a journey. Her own personal journey to
assertiveness took her from low self-esteem to
high self-esteem; from dependence to
interdependence; from believing she was
unattractive to knowing she was attractive. Her
journey to assertiveness was a life-changing and
life-enhancing experience.

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4.
DIMENSIONS
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Assertiveness helps us feel good about ourselves
Assertiveness is more than just a way of
behaving. It is a way of relating, a means of
expression, a projection of how we see ourselves
and others. It encourages respect, provides a
route through conflict, and offers insights into
how to be truly successful in today's world.

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We can be in any of three states at different times
5. THE THREE
MODES
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The classic way to define Assertiveness is to
contrast it with its two "side-kicks", aggression
and submissiveness. Aggression is easily defined
as a way of behaving that denies other people's
rights. Submissiveness is equally easily defined as
a way of behaving that denies us our own rights.
That leaves Assertiveness as the "third way of
behaving" that simultaneously acknowledges our
own rights and those of others.

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6. OUTCOMES
One of the keys of Assertiveness is that it is a way
of being that is without fear. When you operate
from predominantly aggressive and submissive
standpoints, you are really operating from
standpoints of fear: the fear of others that makes
you want to dominate them or submit to them.
Assertiveness, on the other hand, is honest, calm,
and trusting. It does not come from a place of
fear, but of trust and respect.
Assertiveness re-connects you with your real worthiness
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7. BENEFITS
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Assertiveness = confidence
Assertiveness is the key that unlocks success in so
many areas of our lives. In the workplace, it
underlies so many of the skills we use in relating
to others, such as communication, negotiating,
and leadership. In personal relationships, it is the
best way to solve problems and manoeuvre our
way out of conflict. In ourselves, it is the way to
feel good about our lives.

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This has been a Slide Topic from Manage Train Learn
AFinal
Word
Assertiveness is a prime social skill. It may not be as quick at resolving issues as forceful dominance
or quiet submission. But it is the route to the most healthy and satisfactory of human behaviours

What Is Assertiveness?

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