Chapter Summary

Situations that call for an assertive response, at work or at home, can be quite stressful. It will be useful for you to assimilate a framework that you can use to help you develop assertive behavior. Assertiveness represents the effective middle ground between passivity and aggression. It involves expressing yourself in a diplomatic, straightforward fashion while respecting both your own needs and the needs of others. An effective guideline for constructing an assertive response involves using four basic steps: (1) identify the problem behavior; (2) specify the effects (including feelings); (3) specify consequences (optional); and (4) offer alternatives. It is also important for you to adopt and practice assertive nonverbal behaviors ...

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