Assertiveness training course

Increasing your assertiveness on its own will lead you into difficulties with people unless you also pay attention to how good you are as a listener.  The reason why the London based "Skills with People" course works so well as an assertiveness training course is that it trains you not only in assertiveness but also in the skill of listening with empathy.   The two skills form a powerful combination.  They are at the heart of what is now widely known as emotional intelligence.  So valuable are they in combination that together they are crucial to any effective communication skills training.    

But assertiveness and empathy are not easy skills to learn because for many of us they go against the habits of a life-time.  That is why this assertiveness training course also helps you examine some of the deep-seated old habits and attitudes that might be holding you back.  Not only does it make you more aware of them, but it also helps you unlearn them and replace them with new ways of responding to people and new insights.  This course is relevant not only for people whose habit is to be submissive, but also for those whose habit is to be aggressive (also see giving feedback).

What is assertiveness?

Assertiveness is behaving in such a way that people are likely to take you seriously and co-operate with you.  It commands attention and respect.   It is often confused with aggression.  But aggression makes people feel attacked.  It puts them on the defensive – causes them to resist.  Being assertive is therefore quieter but more forceful than being aggressive.  And it is actually tougher – it makes it more difficult for people to resist you – particularly when you combine it with intelligent listening.

(Also see "Skills with People" course content)