Assertiveness And Determination Skills

Assertiveness And Determination Skills

Assertiveness is the ability to communicate with others in a clear and direct manner. It has been described as "The Art of telling people what you would like them to do, in a way that they don't feel threatened or put down". It differs from being aggressive, where you may get what you want, but may upset people and hinder your progress in the long run.

Some people confuse assertiveness with getting your own way all the time, but there may be occasions when you take the decision to back down on an issue, because you realise that the other person has rights too. It also differs from being passive, where you let others get their own way in most situations and don't stand up for your rights.

Assertive behaviour helps you to:

• Say "No" to the requests of others in a firm but polite way when you don't want to do as they say.

• To avoid being manipulated or put off by others.

• To listen better to what others are saying.

• To stand up for your rights.

• To ask for what you want.

• To achieve "win-win" situations where both parties are happy with the outcome of the situation.

Being assertive helps you to exercise more control over your life and relationships, and thus may help to increase your self-confidence. Non-assertive behaviour can lead to loss of respect from others and loss of self-respect in the long term.

How to be assertive in interviews

It can be used in many situations, but can be an important factor in performing well at interviews. In interviews assertive behaviour will help you to come across as a confident candidate who is likely to be able to get things done. It is characterised by:

• a firm clear voice.

• eye contact with the interviewer.

• being relaxed rather than nervous.

• an open body posture (e.g. don't have your arms and legs folded tightly)

• saying what you want to say using simple, clear language.

• a direct open manner.