Assertiveness and Relationships

In my previous posts I've explored the meaning of assertiveness, have taken a look at some helpful assertiveness tools, at important assertiveness cautions and at how to create win/win situations. Today I want to explore how assertiveness impacts on our relationships. For this purpose I would like to give MY personal definition to assertiveness, which is the ability to express your truth in wisdom and with love. When you understand this you'll also understand that ASSERTIVENESS:

‘I Statements’ - Important assertiveness tools

To give you a clear understanding of what I mean by an ‘I statement’ I’d like you to imagine that your partner, boss, colleague (or another important person in your life) has a habit of yelling at you. Whenever this happens, you feel anxious, insecure and a whole host of other emotions that you can’t even identify but that leave you extremely frustrated and emotionally exhausted. Now, the natural reaction to such behaviour is either ‘fight’ or ‘flight’.

Tips For Achieving Your Desired Outcomes
(How to get a win/win)

Okay, so here we are, ready to talk about striving towards a win/win outcome for whatever the issue may be that causes you concern. Here are a few tips that will greatly enhance your chances of achieving your desired outcome:

1. Be clear about what it is you actually wish to achieve - have a goal in mind.