Essential Information
Assertiveness courses are offered by colleges and universities, non-profit institutions and business organizations. Some classes are offered as full- or partial-day workshops, while others have a course schedule lasting a period of weeks in person or online. Some courses carry college credit, while others are for professional development purposes only. Students may participate in role play and modeling exercises, especially if the classes are taken in person.
Common topics covered are:
- Communicating directly
- Assertiveness vs. aggression
- Female communication in a male-dominated workplace
- Workplace conflict and employee empowerment
- Interpersonal skills
- Improving self-esteem
List of Courses
General Assertiveness Training
General assertiveness classes are geared toward individuals who see themselves as non-assertive, or who have trouble speaking up for themselves at work or in other situations. Quite often, people who are not assertive get overpowered by other personalities. Course participants learn to differentiate assertion from aggressive behavior. Assertiveness training deals with taking responsibility for one's own needs and communicating directly. Writing and role playing exercises are often incorporated.
Training for Women
Assertiveness training for women focuses on the way in which women may be socialized against assertiveness. Assertive behavior is described, and participants rate themselves on a scale of assertive qualities. Students assess their own voice, nonverbal message and communication styles, and practice assertiveness through in-class exercises and assignments to develop confident, direct communication skills.
Training for Management
Using the assertive-responsive model to identify effective communication and behavior patterns, this course helps those in management positions develop self-improvement plans, access the knowledge and skills of their employees, resolve conflicts, influence others and help to empower a group of people to work together. The course is best suited for managers with several years of experience, but can be taken by managers at any level who want to improve their communication skills.
Training for Businesswomen
This course applies assertiveness training principles to the communication challenges women face in the business world, especially when working in male-dominated environments. Participants learn how to build upon their own strengths and avoid manipulation by others. Communication skills include learning how to say 'no,' along with classic assertive techniques such as negative assertion, fogging, broken record, compromise and negative inquiry. Students also learn to listen effectively to others and develop techniques for coping with stress.
