Assertiveness is not a quality employees acquire by simply being told that they have more authority or that they should be assertive. It is a quality acquired through a change in mental attitude about oneself and about being assertive. Assertive Communication helps employees change their thoughts and then their behaviors in order to take initiative, offer suggestions, solve problems, and in general communicate more effectively.

Benefits:

Employee involvement in problem-solving Proactive employees who communicate effectively with coworkers, managers, and customers Improved and more cost-effective organizational processes

Participants will:

Understand behaviors and results of assertive, nonassertive, and aggressive communication Identify self-limiting thoughts and counter those thoughts to facilitate assertive behavior Communicate clearly and openly one's feedback or preferences Use assertive “I-statements” to keep communication open and avoid defensiveness Use empathic/assertive statements to demonstrate listening Follow a 3-step model to request a change in another's behavior

Audience:

Supervisors Team leaders Employees at all levels