Instructions
-
1
Sign up for an assertiveness seminar or class hosted by a professional training company or a local college or university. Look for a class with objectives such as how to set boundaries, how to say no, how to convey clear messages, how to manage conflict and how to handle difficult people.
-
2
Take a tailored assertiveness training course for specific issues facing you or the people in your organization or department. For example, to reform an office culture where everyone is too nice to tell the truth or make unpleasant decisions, the course may use role playing or games to simulate situations and encourage people to practice their new skills with each other.
-
3
Participate in a class designed just for women and the professional situations they encounter, including business meetings, handling common female conflicts and asserting yourself in male-dominated professions and offices. Learn assertive listening and communication skills to avoid coming across as too shy or pushy.
-
4
See a psychologist for personal sessions or to address a deep psychological need for assertiveness training. The psychologist will combine behavioral techniques with traditional psychotherapy to boost your self-esteem and teach you to value and assert your rights and opinions.
-
5
Coordinate the logistics of the training, including costs and scheduling. You may need to travel to attend the seminar if one is not hosted in your community. Consider hiring the trainer to come on site to teach your whole staff. You will have to pay travel and accommodations for the trainer, but it might be more cost-effective than sending your staff away to training.
