1. Assertive Workplace Communication

2. Assertive Confidently expressing what you
Think
Feel
Believe
Standing up for your rights while respecting the rights of others

3. Aggressive Expressing yourself in ways that
Intimidate
Demean
Degrade
Going after what you want in ways that violate the rights of others

4. Assertive People Respect themselves and others
Goal is to get and give respect
Ask for fairness
Leave space for compromise when needs and rights conflict

5. Passive Message “I don’t count much – you can take advantage of me.”
“My feeling aren’t very important – yours are.”
“My thoughts aren’t very important – yours are.”
“I’m nothing – you are superior.”
Goal – please others and avoid conflict at any cost.

6. Aggressive Message
“This is what I think – you’re stupid for thinking differently.”
“This is what I want – what you want isn’t important.”
“This is what I feel – your feelings don’t count.”
Goal – domination and winning

7. Assertiveness Approaches
Use direct, simple answers
Use empathy in answers
Use “I” messages
Use increasing firmness
Confront broken agreements
Follow the chain of command

8. Your Rights Right to be treated with respect
Strategy - Give it to get it back
Right to a reasonable work load
Strategy – Get rid of “nurse zombies”
Learn to delegate
Reprimand / dismiss “do-nots”

9. Rights cont. Determine your own priorities Ask for what you want
Say “NO” without feeling guilty
Make mistakes and be responsible for them
Give and receive information as a professional
Act in the best interest of the client
Be human

10. Passive Reluctant or unable to express confidently what you
Think
Feel
Believe
Allows others to violate your rights without challenge

11. Communication
Think about the trends in society and how they impact communication
Gender issues
Social status
Education
Technology (texting, , etc)
Language
Cultural issues