Responses | Date | Author |
Dear Malcolm
We like to use standard communication exercises refocused on the 6 Types of Assertive Behaviour. As a guiding principle for deciding what type of assertiveness to use, we advise, “use the minimum degree of assertion for achieving your aim." We would suggest that you simply refocus internal comms training to look beyond the basic how to lessons to focus on the assertiveness element. It has the advantage of addressing the challenge within the context of "the way we do things here." It is usually straightforward to reframe your existing training activities for this. I can talk further about this or put you in touch with the company that gave us the idea for this approach (No connection to us so not toutin
? Lower Levels - basic, responsive, empathic ? Higher Levels - discrepancy, negative feelings, consequence
1 - Basic Assertion is a straightforward statement where you stand up for your rights. It involves making clear your needs, wants, beliefs, opinions or feelings. E.g. ? “As I see it, the system is working well” ? “The cost is £5000”
2 - Empathic Assertion contains an element of empathy as well as a statement of your needs or wants. E.g. ? “I appreciate that you don’t like the new procedure Emma. However, until it’s changed I’d like you to keep your people working to it” ? “I recognise that it’s difficult to be precise on costs at this stage, However, it would be helpful if you’d give me a rough estimate.
3 - Discrepancy Assertion is when you point out the discrepancy between what has previously been agreed and what is actually happening or about to happen. E.g. ? “As I understand it, we agreed that project A was top priority. Now you’re asking me to give more time to project B. I’d like to clarify which is now the priority
4 - Negative Feelings Assertion draws the attention of another person to the undesirable effect their behaviour is having on you. E.g. ? when you let me have your report at this late stage, it involves me having to work over the weekend,
5 - Consequence Assertion informs the other person of the consequences for them of not changing their behaviour.It also includes an opportunity to change that behaviour before the consequences occur. E.g. ? “If you continue to withhold the information, I’m left with no option but to bring in the production director. I’d prefer not to”. “If this occurs again I’m left with no alternative but to apply the formal disciplinary procedure. I’d prefer not to”
6 - Responsive Assertion helps you to find out where other people stand regarding their needs, wants and opinions. You make statements making it clear that you would like a reply. E.g. ? “What are your reservations about the new approach?” ? “What would you prefer to do?” ? “I’d like your views on this one”
Regards
Bryan Gladstone |
| 19/09/2012 | Previous |