The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

APPLYING ASSERTIVENESS / 23

ASK YOURSELF...

Am I assertive enough? YES NO

1 Does my response accurately reflect how I feel if I’m given

a compliment about my work? .........................................................

2 Am I able to speak up when I’m in a group of strangers? ...............

3 If others interrupt me when I am talking, can I hold

my ground? ........................................................................................

4 Do I avoid being taken advantage of by other people? ...................

5 Am I able to criticize others’ work if I think

they might react badly? ....................................................................

GET PERSPECTIVE

Try to see a situation

from the other person’s

point of view. Most

workplace bullies, for

example, are hiding

their own insecurities or

an inability to do the job.

BE PATIENT

You’ll need time and

practice to become

comfortable with the

new behavior. Recognize

that those around you

may initially be

uncomfortable when

you start to become

more assertive.

VISUALIZE

YOURSELF

Try assertive role

play with a trusted

colleague, to help you

see yourself as an

assertive person.

seek to rule less assertive people. Trying

to achieve dominance may produce

short-term results but will not make

the best use of the abilities of members

of your team.

The assertive manager is

straightforward yet sensitive

to the needs of others

US_022-023_Applying_Assertiveness.indd 23 30/05/16 3:00 pm