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THE ASSERTIVENESS POCKETBOOK By Max A. Eggert Drawings by Phil Hailstone Dedication This book is dedicated to my son, Max Charles, who, in spite of my influence, is very much his own man and, for one so young, has developed his own way of being assertive. Max, I’m proud of you. Thanks to Donna Coiera for transforming my handwriting into an acceptable WP format. “Will appeal to anyone in human resources or management training. It is successful in keeping jargon to a minimum without loss of precision. The concepts are immediately relevant, and each page will offer you a new idea, a new skill or a new way to look at a situation.” Louise Campbell, Associate Director, Human Resources, Societe Generale Australia Ltd. “This pocketbook provides at a glance the skills required for a lifetime.” Tracey Luscombe, Human Resource Manager, Manchester Unity Friendly Society in NSW. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 Definition, popularity, with whom can you be assertive, why now, when to use it, assertiveness and integrity, keeping a balance THREE BEHAVIOUR TYPES 9 Three options, non-assertive behaviour (reasons, mind games, musts and obligations, self talk, inner voices), aggressive behaviour, assertive behaviour (advantages, liberation circle, affirmations) RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES 35 Definitions of basic assertive rights, corresponding responsibilities, rights and responsibilities at work ASSERTIVENESS SKILLS 53 Body language, receiving and giving criticism, receiving positive feedback, disagreement process, ‘I’ statements, asking for what you want, broken record, negative assertion, fogging, negative enquiry, power words ASSERTIVE ACTIVITIES 91 General advice points, ten activities to practise assertive behaviour INTRODUCTION 1 INTRODUCTION DEFINITION OF ASSERTIVENESS Enjoying your rights integrity Expressing your feelings honesty WITH ASSERTIVENESS Asking for what you want directness Stating your views respect for others Assertive: (adj) confident and direct in dealing with others. Collins Concise English Dictionary Assertiveness is upholding one’s own integrity and dignity whilst at the same time encouraging and recognising this behaviour in others. 2 INTRODUCTION INCREASING POPULARITY Assertiveness and the skills associated with it are increasing in popularity because: ● There has been an increase in individual freedom ● It empowers people who use it ● It encourages psychological health in those who use it ● In less hierarchical work structures, managing by rank alone is no longer effective ● More competition for resources makes it necessary for individuals to pursue what they want 3 INTRODUCTION WITH WHOM CAN YOU BE ASSERTIVE? Yourself Your subordinates Your family Your friends Your managers YOU Your network Your team Your colleagues Your clients In fact, assertiveness is useful for everyone with whom you come into contact. 4 INTRODUCTION WHY ASSERTIVENESS NOW? ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Social and political hierarchies based on birth or caste are no longer successful within capitalist structures Successful enterprises are based on meritocracy and need everyone to achieve their best To be successful, society requires all to make a contribution - no one person is inherently better than another To speak one’s mind and to reveal one’s true position have been found to engender psychological health and improved relationships At work the person doing the job is the one who can make the most significant contribution to improvements on the job The political value and power behind the equality movement for gender, race, religion, colour and ethnic origin are now integrated into the culture of western civilisation The full fruition of democratic principles of individual freedom, and the equal rights of all within society, encourage all to pursue their rights and aims The New Age philosophy of individual empowerment and pursuit of personal excellence encourages people to be themselves 5 INTRODUCTION WHEN TO USE ASSERTIVENESS When you want something When you want to negotiate In the face of criticism When you are angry 6 When you don't want something YOU When you are hurt When you are happy When you want to give feedback INTRODUCTION ASSERTIVENESS AND INTEGRITY When we are assertive we increase our integrity because we are honest with ourselves and with others. WITH SELF HONESTY WITH OTHERS What you feel Their impact on you What you think Their behaviour What you need What you want from them When we are honest with ourselves and with others we are able to achieve what we want without compromise. 7