How can assertiveness be used to handle conflict

Try scripting out your remarks, and practicing them with a friend or family member, just as if you were rehearsing the lines in a movie or play. Take some breathing time. Practice offering your opinion. Many people are terrified of conflict or confrontation. Use simple statements clearly expressing your position or question.

Take assertiveness training or invest in coaching. I believe you will find it invaluable! Our customized leadership communications training and personalized coaching services unleash potential and support long-term development.

It involves ignoring the reason for the argument. These are some examples of the multiple techniques that exist to be more assertive in your day-to-day life. As you can see, the key is to keep your voice calm, even, and respectful. You want to avoid getting heated , while still defending your point of view. With practice, assertiveness can become your most valuable tool for good communication.

The Rathus Assertiveness Schedule is a simple but excellent tool to measure your assertiveness. The results may surprise you! Appropriate communication with superiors, co-workers, and colleagues includes the following:. Here are some communication tendencies to avoid when speaking with superiors, co-workers, and colleagues:.

Appropriate communication with co-workers and colleagues who are friends may include the following:. Below are communication tendencies to avoid when speaking to co-workers and colleagues who are friends:. Constructive Criticism on the Job. Always be clear and direct about your needs and wants. If you think you are in a frame of mind that is overly emotional, stop talking. Wait until you are able to be calm, firm, and direct. If you can do so, speak up right away about a problem or issue. Do not let problems fester and grow larger.

Do not stifle frustrations and minimize their impact on your ability to do your job. On the other hand, do not make every small issue a catastrophe. Realize that you should not blow small problems out of proportion. Open Main Menu. Browse Courses My Classes. Sign In Subscribe Course Catalog. Introduction As you begin to assert yourself, you will encounter some conflict. This is another reason many find it hard to be assertive. Most people dislike conflict and adamantly avoid it.

Conflict can be stressful and difficult to cope with, particularly for those inclined toward introversion or agreeableness. However, this avoidance comes at a price: the relinquishing of your own desires to those of others. Instead of avoiding conflict, it is important to know how to deal with it without fear and anxiety. It is a necessary part of life as we interact with people whose own wants and needs are not always in harmony with ours.

Ideally, everyone would agree with us and just give us what we want without question, but reality dictates that this will not be the case very often. When possible, negotiate and compromise to avoid conflict; but when you cannot, use the tools in this article to resolve it instead. Before you decide how to handle any perceived conflict, if possible, take time to assess the situation.

Try to look at all angles and options for resolution. If it is not apparent, see if the conflict fits into any of the defined types given in the previous section. This will help you better come up with a solution or resolution to the conflict. If the situation is volatile or very important, we often feel pressured to resolve it without considering all options.

It is important to do this only if absolutely necessary. Take a breath, appraise the situation, and make a well-informed, "best for everyone" decision whenever possible. Virtual College, also founded in , is one of the leading providers of e-learning in the UK and have provided online courses to individuals and companies across the world, breaking down the boundaries of traditional learning to deliver cost reducing, time efficient training.

Together we endeavor to bring you the very best in online training! Click HERE for more online courses. Friendly, confident presentation by Warren, cut to the heart of the matter quickly. Happy with the balance, which was tailored to my specific situations. Toggle Navigation. Assertiveness and Managing Conflict — Open Course. Click on the links below for information on the following: Managing difficult people Assertive behaviour Improving self confidence Improving assertiveness Dealing with aggressive people Managing conflict Being firm with members of staff Dealing with bullying at work This course will allow delegates to develop confidence and self-esteem so that their opinions will no longer go un-noticed in the workplace.

Assertiveness and Managing Conflict — Face to face workshop — 1 day November 19 at am - pm. Dec