Learning Objective: Explore habits that increase confidence and lead to being more assertive in the workplace The business world is a combination of various people, personalities, and perspectives. Some can be more outspoken than others, especially in meetings with the boss. In this seminar, you will learn proven methods for understanding how to be more assertive and develop skills to help you deal with workplace conflict and disagreements. This session will address critical issues such as techniques for being a more assertive conversationalist, techniques for giving and receiving feedback properly, and business etiquette techniques for the situation that is called upon. This session will help you comprehend how social styles alter behavior and can enhance your on-the-job assertiveness skills. At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: 1. Define behaviors that distinguish between assertive, passive, and aggressive styles. 2. Assess their personal areas of strength and areas for growth. 3. Examine assertive behaviors using a range of verbal and visual techniques. 4. Identify appropriate opportunities for assertive behavior in the workplace.

2. Assertive Learning
“Gain More Confidence, Make Better Decisions and
Earn the Respect You Deserve”
 Rukiya Higgins – Moderator
 Michael Taylor – Speaker
 Jael Lamothe – Panelist
 Shreya Gupta – Panelist

3. Assertive Learning

5. Communication Behaviors
Aggressive Assertive
Passive
Aggressive
Passive
High openness of communication
Low openness of communication
High
consideration
for
others
Low
consideration
for
others

6. Assess your style
• Do you voice your opinion?
• Do you say yes when you really want to say no?
• How do people feel when they talk to you?
• Understand your communication style prior to
making any changes.

7. Use “I” Statements
“I” Statements = EFFECTIVE Communication and Conflict Resolution
Positives to using “I”
statements
Negatives to not using “I”
statements
Provides insight Sounding accusatory
Fosters clear and positive
communication
Indirect and non-specific
communication
Can help your relationships grow May hurt relationships

8. Assertive Behaviors – Verbal & Visual
Empathy
Check your
Emotions
Practice
Saying “No”
Body Language
Rehearse,
Rehearse, Rehearse

9. TO BE PASSIVE IS TO LET OTHERS DECIDE FOR YOU.
TO BE AGGRESSIVE IS TO DECIDE FOR OTHERS.
TO BE ASSERTIVE IS TO DECIDE FOR YOURSELF.
AND TO TRUST THAT THERE IS ENOUGH, THAT YOU
ARE ENOUGH.
Author ~Edith Eva Eger
Assertive Learning

10. Resource Links
Websites
• www.fastcompany.com/40474378/how-to-be-more-assertive-
at-work-when-thats-just-not-your-personality
• www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-
depth/assertive/art-20044644
• www.positivepsychology.com/assertiveness/
• www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cui-bono/201211/are-i-
statements-better-you-statements