drawing of classroom meeting Module 3 – Unit 3:  Exploring the Topic

Perspectives on Assertiveness at Work

Think About It In the United States, assertiveness is considered an extremely important skill for successful communication in both personal and professional situations. The ability to be direct, speak honestly, and state what you want is highly valued in this culture. In fact, workshops and seminars on “assertiveness training” are very popular.

Assertive behavior, or assertiveness, is the ability to stand up for your rights and for what you want and to express your feelings, opinions, and preferences openly, honestly, and directly in ways that show respect for yourself and others.
Source: Leebov, W. 2003. Assertiveness Skills for Professionals in Health Care. New York: Authors Choice Press.
  1. Is the ability to be assertive, based on the definition above, valued in your culture?

  2. What types of communication skills are important to succeed in a health care setting in your country?

  3. Did you have to adjust to the type of assertiveness expected in the U.S.? Can you think of an example?

Now read the situations below. How would you react in each?What would you do and say? What type of reaction do you think is expected in with colleagues in the U.S.?

Just ten minutes before your shift ends, your supervisor asks you to stay longer to complete patient charts, which will take you at least another hour.

 

Your co-worker always has an excuse when you, or someone else on your team, needs extra help. He now asks you to lend him a hand on a very busy day.

 

You strongly disagree with the head physician’s decision to discharge a patient. You have cared for this patient for a week and feel she should remain in the hospital until she has less pain and is stronger.