Online Class: Assertiveness Training

Whether you are having trouble being confident and assertive in your career or personal life, or if you are simply interested in learning more about this topic, this course will introduce you to a better way of getting what you want and need from the people in your life without coming off as aggressive, hostile, or selfish.

Self-Paced, Online Class
Islip Public Library
 
  • 11
    Lessons
  • 17
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 8,678
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 8
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.8
    CEUs
  •  
    Video Audit
    Available
 
 
 

Course Description

Unlocking the Power of Assertiveness

Introduction

In our fast-paced world, navigating interpersonal relationships can be challenging. To thrive, understanding the power of assertiveness is crucial. Assertiveness is not about being aggressive, confrontational, or domineering. Rather, it's about expressing oneself clearly, standing up for one's rights, and doing so in a respectful manner.

Imagine learning to drive a manual car. Understanding gears, clutch timing, and the vehicle's rhythm are vital. Similarly, comprehending the essence of assertiveness serves as the foundation to mastering its application.

The Cornerstone of Assertiveness: Confidence

Assertiveness and confidence go hand in hand. An assertive individual radiates confidence, conviction, and self-reliance. Such people are unwavering in their beliefs, desires, and their way of articulating their needs to others.

Yet, life doesn't occur in isolation. We're intrinsically social beings. Effectively communicating our needs is fundamental to our happiness and fulfillment. In this course, we'll dive deep into building confidence, pinpointing desires, and securing cooperation from others.

It's pivotal to recognize, however, that not everyone will resonate with or acknowledge your needs. Some may dismiss or belittle your desires, draining your self-worth. It's crucial to differentiate between genuine constraints and deliberate neglect. This course will equip you to identify such "bottomless pits" and navigate them effectively.

Why is Assertiveness Elusive to Many?

While the answers vary, common barriers include:

  • Insecurity: A skewed self-perception of one's value.
  • Fear: Concerns about rejection or loss.
  • Shyness: An innate inclination to remain reticent.
  • Social Conformity: The pressure to adhere to group norms.
  • Lack of Direction: Not recognizing what one truly desires.
  • Insufficient Knowledge: Not researching or being unprepared to back up one's desires.
  • Poor Negotiation Skills: Inability to convey mutual benefits convincingly.

Our lessons will systematically address these roadblocks, offering tools and strategies to surmount them.

Moreover, if your struggles go beyond assertiveness, consider seeking professional guidance. While this course hones your assertiveness, addressing underlying issues can further amplify your potential.

Assertiveness vs. Passiveness vs. Aggression: The Fine Balance

Even as toddlers, we display traces of assertiveness. Take Little Jimmy, our illustrative protagonist. When presented with peas, his least favorite food, his reactions can teach us a lot:

  • If he consumes them silently, he's passive.
  • If he throws them in anger, he's aggressive.
  • If he politely refuses, he's assertive.

Passive individuals comply for the sake of appeasement. Aggressive ones act impulsively, alienating others. Assertive people, on the other hand, convey their preferences with clarity and respect.

Another behavioral pattern we'll delve into is passive aggression – an indirect, covert form of aggression stemming from fear. It's detrimental to healthy relationships and requires attention.

The Essence of Assertiveness

Returning to our analogy, Little Jimmy showcases assertiveness by calmly refusing peas. His actions might be perceived differently by onlookers. However, the truth is, standing firm on personal preferences, without resorting to confrontations, embodies assertiveness.

Children, free from societal conditioning, inherently grasp the essence of assertiveness. They're in tune with their desires. Drawing inspiration from this, embrace clarity and firmness in asserting yourself. Remember, it's not about conflict but about mutual respect and understanding.

Course Overview

This course comprises nine comprehensive lessons. From enhancing communication to resolving conflicts, from workplace dynamics to personal relationships, each lesson delves deep into facets of assertiveness. By the end, you'll be equipped to express, negotiate, and thrive, turning challenges into opportunities.

Begin your transformative journey now, and unlock the power of assertiveness.

 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.40 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(3,303 votes)
  • Lesson 1: Assertiveness Defined

    This lesson will provide an excellent foundation of understanding for future reference as you begin to use the assertiveness skills you will learn later on in this course.
  • Lesson 2: Methods of Assessing and Developing Healthy Self-esteem

    Healthy self-esteem is the very first step in achieving confidence and learning to be assertive.
  • Lesson 3: Your Personal Level of Assertiveness

    This lesson will introduce you to the most common personality types.
  • Lesson 4: Improving Communication

    Regardless of your personality type or weaknesses, everyone can learn how to communicate better.
  • Lesson 5: Conflict Resolution

    When possible, negotiate and compromise to avoid conflict; but when you cannot, use the tools in this lesson to resolve it instead.
  • Lesson 6: Appropriate Workplace Assertiveness

    This lesson will help you deal with handling work- related situations properly.
  • Lesson 7: Appropriate Personal Assertiveness

    Being assertive in our personal lives has differences from and similarities to the way we assert ourselves at work or in business.
  • Lesson 8: Combating Fear of Assertiveness

    This lesson will help you deal with the inevitable fear that will strike when you first begin to assert yourself.
  • Lesson 9: What Do You Really Want?

    Perhaps the most essential part of asking for what you want is knowing what you want to ask for.
  • Lesson 10: Achieving Balance

    This lesson will explain how to achieve balance in being assertive.
  • Course Conclusion

    As you go forward, be confident.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define assertiveness and understand how it differs from aggression.
  • Summarize defined methods of assessing and developing healthy self-esteem.
  • Identify your own personal level of assertiveness and determine what improvements may be needed.
  • Describe basic techniques for improving your communication skills.
  • Describe methods to use in peaceful conflict resolution.
  • Summarize and establish appropriate assertiveness techniques to use in the workplace.
  • Determine your own personal level of assertiveness that is appropriate for you.
  • Recognize the fears you have associated with assertiveness and define techniques to combat them.
  • Determine and describe what it is you really want and identify how assertiveness can achieve this goal.
  • Identify ways to balance the level of assertiveness to use in everyday life.
  • Review your own personal level of assertiveness and identify how you will use it in the future.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Assertiveness Training
Course Number: 8900266
Lessons Rating: 4.40 / 5 Stars (3,303 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is available online in all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in English-speaking countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: December 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.8 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: UniversalClass Instructional Team
Syllabus: View Syllabus

Student Testimonials

  • "I learned a lot in this course and was able to identify where my communication skills causes conflict. I am looking forward to practice and improve the way I approach and handle issues in the future." -- Jennifer J.
  • "As someone who just recently got out of a relationship and has started a brand new position at work and has had trouble asserting myself in both areas, I found this course to be a really helpful tool in moving forward and conquering both aspects of life." -- Mackenzie T.
  • "It was extremely helpful to me. I learned that being assertive doesn't mean being aggressive. Also, not to be intimidated by another's aggressiveness, believing that I did something wrong and deserve the disrespectful treatment. Also, not to be dismayed when another's personal attacks try to shift the responsibility for their unreasonable behavior off them and to me (or to let them). I have learned that in asserting myself dealing in business matters a 'short and sweet' interaction, explaining problem and desired solution is all that is required, not lengthy complaints and arguments. I am glad I signed-up for this class, and it has made clear that I am not responsible for another's problems or decisions. I've also seen that one or two attempts at asserting myself in certain situations will not succeed at once. But I always have options to remove myself from certain toxic personalities. Patience is needed to discover that option." -- Jane F.
  • "I looked forward to each lesson of this Assertiveness training course and was pleasantly surprised that each lesson was so relevant to everyday living, interacting with people. This morning, when I logged into my final lesson, I was sincerely inspired by the words of encouragement that you offered. This doesn't happen often in life anymore and I was so grateful for your kind and supportive words of wisdom. Thank you for offering this course and for the instructor's kindness and clear communications. I am grateful for the opportunity to have taken this and am confident it will provide positive growth and support for me as I move forward into retirement and a new chapter in my life." -- Diane S.
  • "I entered this course in the recovery stage of a failed long term relationship. It helped me tremendously as I began to rebuild a stable and successful new life. It took me almost six months to complete the course, because the topics were hitting home in a deeply personal way. I needed the information and tools to help me make the transition to health and to understand how to assert myself appropriately. Thanks again to the instructor and for a well laid out course of study. Bravo!" -- Arlene A.
  • "Thank you for all your help with me being able to be more assertive in my life by these teaching tools." -- Sandra W.
  • "Excellent course. The assertiveness courses I've taken focused on self-esteem and behavior. I was surprised that knowing what you want/goal making is important to assertiveness. This has helped me tremendously! Excellent course and thanks soo much." -- Marvett B.
  • "I recommend this course to anyone, but do your own additional research and try and do your best in the assignments. For me, this is the key area where I did most of my learning." -- John B.
  • "This course has helped me understand what assertiveness was and it will help me in the future in my personal life and my work life." -- Kristen A.
  • "I appreciate all of the feedback from the instructor. Even when I had 5 out of 5, he gave me further instruction." -- Lori G.
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