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Asserting Yourself At Work
by Richard A Luecke, Constance Zimmerman
Publisher: AMACOM
Release Date: June 2010
ISBN: 9780761214366
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Book Description
Techniques for managing others while maintaining mutual respect.
Table of Contents
Cover Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
About This Course
How to Take This Course
Introduction
Pre-Test
1 Assertiveness—What It Is and Why It Matters
Assertiveness Defined
The Assertive Mode
Passivity
Aggression
Assertiveness and the New Workplace
Assertiveness as a Signaling Mechanism
Assertiveness as a Learned Behavior
Recap
Review Questions
2 Progress Begins with Self-Awareness
Benchmarking Your Motivations
Your Assertiveness Profile
Your Score
Interpreting Your Score
What Influences Your Assertiveness Mode?
Childhood Experiences
The Transference Trap
Perfectionism
The Role of Attitude
Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
Recap
Review Questions
3 Building Your Assertiveness
Your Needs, Wants, Interests, Values, and Goals
Needs
Wants
Interests
Values
Your Goals
Short-Term Goals
Intermediate Goals
Long-Term Goals
Legacy Goals
Speaking Up for What Matters to You at Work
Engage in a Positive Internal Dialogue
Verbally Communicate in Assertive Ways
Use the Most Effective Communication Channel
Practice Good Timing
Assertive Written Communication
Have a Clear Purpose
Make Your Message Clear and Crisp
Use the Most Effective and Appropriate Mode
Recap
Review Questions
4 Assertive Nonverbal Communication
The Power of Nonverbal Communication
Six Dimensions of Nonverbal Communication
Body Movement
Body Contact
Eye Contact
Interpersonal Space
Silence
Paralanguage
Putting Together the Dimensions for Assertive Nonverbal Communication (ANC)
Make Proper Use of Space
Maintain a Professional Appearance
Give a Firm Handshake
Use Direct Eye Contact
Use Good Posture
Purposeful Gestures
Control Your Facial Expressions
Effective Vocal Delivery
A Nonverbal Communication Journal
Align Your Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Recap
Review Questions
5 Assertiveness Opportunities at Work
Developing Positive Visibility at Work
Action #1: Speak Up and Share Your Views
Action #2: Participate Actively in Meetings
Action #3: Disagree Agreeably
Action #4: Be Your Own Best Champion
Action #5: Handle Compliments with Grace
Action #6: Look at Constructive Criticism as a Self-Improvement Opportunity
Action #7: Create a Daily Assertiveness Plan
Take Responsibility for Your Performance at Work
Take Credit for Your Successes
Don’t Take Responsibility If It’s Not Yours
Recap
Review Questions
6 Addressing the Needs and Interests of Others
Evaluating Your Listening Skills: A Self-Assessment
Totaling Your Score
Interpreting Your Score
Moving Toward Assertive Listening
Three Levels of Listening
Level 1: Listening to Be Aware
Level 2: Listening to Learn
Level 3: Listening to Engage
Exploring the Needs and Interests of Others
Create a Safe Environment
Ask Probing Questions
Avoid Questions that Provoke a Defensive Response
Reciprocate
Be Proactive
Cultural Barriers to Communicating Needs and Interests
Time and Trust Building
Cultural Dimensions
Responding to the Needs and Interests of Others
Think It Over
Focus on the Issue, Not the Person
Use Collaborative Language
Expand the Options
Find Common Ground
Aim for Win-Win
Win Graciously
Recap
Review Questions
7 Identifying and Maintaining Assertive Boundaries at Work
Identifying Boundaries at Work
Boundaries of Respect
Boundaries of Ethics
Boundaries of Time
Boundaries of Heath and Safety
Boundaries of Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
Maintaining Assertive Boundaries at Work
Say “No” Literally
“No” in Other Words
Say “No” Right Away to Sexual Harassment
Recap
Review Questions
8 Assertiveness and Dealing with Difficult People
Four Techniques for Dealing with Difficult People
The Screaming Rant Defense
The Broken Record Technique
Fogging
Negative Inquiry
Disarming the Workplace Bully
Understand the Bully’s Goal
Determine If You’re a Target
Protect Your “Self “
Blow the Whistle
Get Yourself Out of the Bull’s-eye
Recap
Review Questions
9 From Assertiveness to Influence
What Is Influence?
The Role of Influence in the Workplace
Three Building Blocks of Influence
Self-Confidence
Credibility
Reciprocity
Recap
Review Questions
Appendix: Your Assertiveness Checksheet
Bibliography
Recommended Resources
Web Sites
Glossary
Post-Test
Index