Develop Your Assertiveness

Being assertive is being able to express yourself with confidence without having to resort to passive, aggressive or manipulative behaviour. By developing assertiveness and becoming aware of our own strengths and weaknesses, we can modify our behaviour. The result is greater effectiveness in social and business interactions, thus improving career prospects and enhancing social life. "Develop Your Assertiveness" offers basic techniques on how to become more assertive. Packed with examples and exercises, it is a self-help guide covering topics, such as: the importance of choice of behaviour tension control self-awareness and self-esteem relationships making and refusing requests dealing with problem people tricky situations. Simply reading "Develop Your Assertiveness" will not make you more assertive. It is necessary to practise face-to-face dialogue. The support of a friend, colleague or group is invaluable and the exercises and activities will help you to measure your progress and reach your goal.

Sue Bishop is a trainer and consultant. She is the author of several training sourcebooks, also published by Kogan Page.