Assertiveness Skills Training
The Art of Honest Communication
Develop Communication
Gain confidence, respect, navigate difficulties effectively, and improve your relationships with this assertive training.
Personal Growth Benefits
Build confidence, reduce your stress, make better decisions, and achieve your personal and professional goals.
Skill Development
Improve your communication, handle conflicts, and enhance your EQ through this assertiveness training.Refine your communication skills by learning to harness your emotional intelligence with one of the UK's most acclaimed management training courses.
Why Choose This Training?
More Than Just A Course Of Lectures
What gets in the way of developing and holding on to new communication skills are old habits of thinking and speaking. Even if the advice is very good the reason why it rarely sticks are the mental habits people inevitably revert to, especially under pressure.
Unlearning those old habits and internalising a more effective and lasting approach to communication needs more than a short course of lectures on how to do it.
What Makes This Training Stand Out?
What makes this training stand out is the exceptional support through one-to-one coaching sessions and continuous feedback. Changing behaviour is not an easy task as old habits are hard to break.
With a 40-year track record we can help you cultivate practical skills, and build your confidence to so you can successfully navigate real-world challenges, ensuring lasting behavioural improvements.
Testimonials
Join thousands of participants getting results
"What I love about this course is that I didn't just learn about the topic, this course is about ME. I'm confident I can reliably use my new skills, even when under pressure".
"A lesson for life! The power of effective communication is incredible when one masters the skills "listening with empathy" and "speaking assertively"
Clients We Have Worked With
Well-known companies who have used this course again and again, over many years
Course Summary
Training Objectives
This course is designed to help you develop your assertiveness skills so you can more confidently express your feelings and opinions in an open, honest, authentic and sincere way, without jeopardising your relationships, starting a fight, or offending other people. The applications for these skills include a wide variety of everyday situations, scenarios and relationships, including lots of occasions you'll encounter at work.
Develop Your Emotional Intelligence
You will learn a set of powerful emotional intelligence communication techniques so that you can manage difficult conversations, handle challenging situations, build relationships and set firm boundaries.
Transferable Skills
The goal of this training is to equip you with the tools they need to build strong, lasting relationships in your professional life, although because these skills are so transferable many clients report vast improvements in their personal relationships as well.
Develop Skills
This is a skills development rather than just a theoretical programme, so the emphasis throughout will be on you taking turn after turn, practising your skills, while receiving feedback and coaching about your effect on others.
Repeated Practice and Feedback
In your coaching sessions you will be helped to practise dealing with the kinds of situation you find challenging, again and again, until you are confident you can do it successfully.
Video Analysis
We'll combine practical, hands-on experience with video replay and analysis and discussion of the principles involved to help you gain both skills and understanding. Special attention is paid to your individual training needs, so you can practise your skills in real-life situations that you have to handle at work.
Sustained Change
That's why as well as your place in a small group, this training includes a generous amount of private and confidential one-to-one coaching sessions online, spread over several months, ensuring an exceptional level of support. This will ensure the changes you make are sustained over a longer period of time and any obstacles are overcome. Choose between online training available worldwide, or in-person face-to-face courses in the UK.
Course Dates and Price
For a list of upcoming course dates (for online coaching and face-to-face training), the locations of the next 3-day public courses in the UK and pricing Click here.
Free Initial Session
This initial coaching session serves as an introduction to the "Skills with People" course, allowing you to understand the course's relevance and effectiveness for your specific needs before committing to it.
What is Assertiveness?
Assertiveness is a communication style that allows you to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs openly and honestly. Done well you’ll be able to show respect for others while standing up for yourself. By practicing assertiveness, you can navigate various social and professional situations with confidence and ease.
On this assertiveness training course you’ll learn how to communicate assertively so you can be clear and firm about what they want, without being rude, or disrespectful, while standing up for yourself without compromising your self-respect or dignity.
Benefits of Assertiveness
Being assertive offers numerous advantages, including:
- Improved communication and relationships
- Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
- Better stress and conflict management
- Enhanced decision-making skills
- Decreasing stress and anxiety
- Resolving conflicts effectively
- Achieving personal and professional goals
- Gaining respect from others
Assertiveness vs Aggressiveness vs Passiveness
Assertiveness, aggressiveness, and passiveness are often confused. Aggressiveness is associated with being forceful, disrespectful, bullying and dominating. The problem with that is that you are likely to provoke other people to feeling attacked. When they feel attacked they are likely to become defensive, because defending yourself is a perfectly reasonable reaction to being attacked. When people become defensive they clam up, and their willingness to cooperate drops through the floor.
Passiveness involves avoiding conflicts, suppressing feelings, and neglecting one's needs. The problem with that unless you’re an accomplished actor your true feelings are likely to leak. When that happens there’ll be a mismatch in what you’re saying, how you’re acting and the signals you’re giving off in your body language and facial expression. This mismatch will confuse other people, or make them suspicious they can trust what you’re saying, if it looks like you’re not being honest about your true feelings.
Assertiveness, on the other hand, is a balanced communication style that allows individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs in a clear, honest, truthful and respectful way without violating the rights of others. Most people have to learn how to safely speak with more honesty when they’re not happy. It can be nerve wracking if you fear that others will not like what you say when you tell the truth. On this course you’ll receive the training you need to become really good at it.
Developing Assertive Communication Skills
Assertive communication skills can be developed. They are skills, and just like any skill they improve the more you practice them. Here are some tips for developing assertive communication skills:
- Identify your feelings and needs.
- Use "I" statements to express yourself.
- Be clear and specific about what you want.
- Use active listening with empathy to understand the other person's point of view.
- Use positive body language to convey confidence.
- Practice saying "no" respectfully.
- Use assertive responses to criticism or negative feedback.
Assertiveness Training
On this assertiveness skills training course is specifically designed to help you develop and enhance your communication skills. You will be offered lots of goes at it, until you’re comfortable you’ve got it. This training covers various techniques and strategies to improve interpersonal interactions.
Common Misconceptions about Assertiveness
Some common misconceptions about assertiveness include:
- Assertiveness is the same as aggressiveness.
- Being assertive always means being right.
- Assertiveness is only useful in confrontational situations.
Every-day uses for assertiveness in the workplace
The Power of Saying "No"
Saying no is an essential aspect of assertiveness training. Setting boundaries and prioritising your needs empowers you to take control of your life and make healthier decisions. The difficulty is that most people are scared to say “No” if they think it might jeopardise their career, or their reputation. You can learn how to stand up for yourself without giving the impression that you’re being belligerent or difficult.
How to Avoid Being Submissive
Avoiding being submissive is difficult in the workplace. Being too passive can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of respect from colleagues. On this training course you'll learn how to speak up and express your opinions, ask questions and challenge assumptions. You'll learn how to be assertive but not aggressive, and use body language to convey confidence. The training also highlights the importance of being aware of personal values and boundaries, as well as being willing to negotiate and compromise when necessary.
Dealing with Difficult People or Opinionated People
Managing difficult or opinionated people can be challenging. However, assertiveness skills can help you navigate these interactions successfully. This training offers advice on how to deal with difficult people in the workplace. It suggests that understanding the root cause of their behaviour is key to effectively handling the situation. The training provides tips on how to identify different types of difficult behaviour, such as aggression, passive-aggression, and negativity, and offers strategies for responding to each type. The strategies include active listening, setting boundaries, using positive language, and reframing the situation. The training also emphasises the importance of maintaining a professional and respectful demeanour when dealing with difficult people.
Tips for how to navigate challenging conversations
The training course provides tips on how to manage difficult conversations in the workplace. It suggests that having open and honest communication is key to resolving conflicts and maintaining positive relationships. The training offers advice and practice on how to prepare for the conversation, such as identifying the issue, setting clear objectives, and considering the other person's perspective. It also provides strategies for managing the conversation, such as active listening, staying calm and composed, and using constructive language. The training emphasises the importance of focusing on the issue at hand and avoiding personal attacks or blame. It also offers advice, guidanced and practice on how to follow up after the conversation to ensure that the issue is fully resolved.
How to Handle Non-Assertive Situations Assertively
Sometimes, you may find yourself in situations where others are being non-assertive or passive-aggressive. In these kinds of situations, it is helps if you can remain calm, firm and assertive. This training course discusses dealing with difficult behaviour in the workplace and offers strategies for addressing it. We define difficult behaviour as any conduct that interferes with work, creates a negative work environment, or causes harm. The training provides examples of difficult behaviour, such as aggression, passive-aggression, and negativity, and explains the impact it can have at work. We offer strategies for addressing difficult behaviour, such as setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and using positive reinforcement. The training emphasises the importance of addressing difficult behaviour early on and seeking support from HR or management when necessary. The training also offers guidance on creating a positive work culture that encourages respectful and collaborative behaviour.
Tips for Practicing Assertiveness
- Practice in low-stress situations. You can practice communicating your honest thoughts and feelings with people you hardly know. For example, at the supermarket till you can express your “disappointment” about the weather getting in the way of your plans for the weekend. It doesn’t matter if you get it wrong. However, if you can become more comfortable talking honestly in low-key situations like that, then you’re far more likely to develop your ability to speak honestly in situations when it matters to speak out honestly.
- Take small steps towards assertiveness.
- Celebrate your successes.
- Learn from your mistakes.
Conflict resolution training
Our conflict resolution training will provide you with the tools and techniques needed to address and resolve disputes effectively.
Steps to Resolve Disputes
- Before trying to solve the problem you’ll need to spend some time, energy and effort tuning in on the other person’s wavelength so they feel understood.
- You’ll then need to encourage them to reciprocate and tune in on your wavelength.
- Once both parties have been mutually understood you can work towards mutually agreeable solution.
Being More Demanding or Forceful
We offer a training course on how to be more demanding at work. The assertiveness skills you'll learn involve expressing your needs and standing up for your rights while respecting others. However, it's crucial to strike a balance between being assertive and aggressive.
Balancing Assertiveness and Aggression
Over the years we've had quite a few managers come through our hands who want to be better at putting their foot down when necessary, but have managed to get themselves into some hot water along the way. We offer training, guidance and practice on how to be assertive in a way that doesn't get confused for agression or bullying.
- Before focussing on the issue, you’ll need to focus on the other person’s feelings
- Use respectful language and tone and summarise their point of view
- Practice empathy and active listening when they respond. Eventually they’ll spontaneously use the word “exactly”. That’s when you know you’ve hit the nail on the head.
- Now is your chance to say how you feel, what about and why.
- Be open to feedback.
Giving Bad News and Breaking Bad News
Delivering difficult news is never easy, but using assertive communication techniques can make the process more manageable.
Tips for Delivering Difficult Information
- Choose an appropriate time and place
- Be honest, clear, and concise
- Allow the recipient to express their feelings and reactions
- Offer support and guidance if needed
Getting into arguments at work
Workplace disagreements are common, but assertiveness skills can help you navigate these conflicts effectively.
Handling Workplace Disagreements
- Address issues promptly and professionally
- Focus on facts and problem-solving, not emotions
- Maintain open communication and listen to all parties involved
- Seek mediation or assistance from a supervisor if necessary
How to Deescalate Tensions
- Take a step back and breathe
- Use calming language and tone
- Acknowledge the other person's viewpoint
- Suggest a break or time-out to reconvene later
Assertiveness in the Workplace
Assertiveness is a valuable skill in the workplace as it allows you to communicate effectively with your colleagues, superiors, and clients. It can help in negotiating salaries, setting boundaries, expressing ideas, and resolving conflicts. With a bit of skill and practice at being firm, clear and assertive you are more likely to be respected and valued in the workplace.
Assertiveness in Personal Relationships
Assertiveness is equally important in your personal relationships. It allows you to communicate your needs and feelings effectively, helps maintain healthy boundaries, resolve conflicts, and express love and appreciation. Good assertiveness skills are more likely to help you have fulfilling and satisfying relationships.
Assertiveness and Self-Confidence
Assertiveness and self-confidence are closely related. Self-assured and confident people are more likely to be able to say what they really think, and how they really feel. It also works the other way around. You can build your self-esteem and self-respect, and self-confidence by learning how to safely express yourself in a clear and direct way.
Overcoming Barriers to Assertiveness
Most people struggle with assertiveness due fear of rejection, fear of conflict, low self-esteem, and cultural or gender conditioning. Identifying these barriers is the first step to being able to overcome them. The next step is to tune into yourself, so you can work out what you’d like to be able to say, if you had the courage, and then practicing saying it until you’re confident you won’t upset other people when you’re telling your truth. This assertive communication skills training course will help you do exactly that.
Role-Playing Exercises for Developing Assertiveness
Role-playing exercises are a useful tool for developing assertiveness. On this training course you’ll practice assertive communication in hypothetical scenarios and receiving feedback from your coach, as well as the other course participants. Learning how to give feedback is a big part of the training. Role-playing exercises can help you identify what effect you’re having on the other person, and what you need to do to develop more effective communication strategies.
Assertiveness and Emotional Intelligence
Assertiveness is a crucial component of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise and manage one's own emotions, as well as recognising and talking about other people’s. By recognising and then articulating your own feelings clearly and directly, you can learn how to manage your emotions and communicate your needs and feelings. This takes practice, but can make a huge difference to the atmosphere in a difficult relationship, especially if you pari it with generous and compassionate empathy (the ability to recognise and articulate someone else’s feelings diplomatically).
The Connection between Assertiveness and Boundaries
Assertiveness is closely linked with the need to be comfortable setting boundaries. If you are able to express yourself assertively you are more likely to set and maintain healthy boundaries. You many be nervous about putting your foot down in case the other person doesn’t take it very well.
You could learn how to use assertive communication to say that you feel torn. On the one hand you love being helpful, because you want the best for everyone. However, another part of you needs to be respectful of your personal boundaries, and in order to look after yourself you have learnt the importance of preventing others from crossing them.
Assertiveness and Stress Management
Assertiveness skills can help you manage your stress levels more effectively by helping you communicate your needs and feelings clearly, firmly and directly. By setting boundaries, expressing yourself assertively, and resolving conflicts effectively, individuals can reduce stress and anxiety.