Rights in assertiveness
Featured in the The Assertiveness Skills Pack training manual
By Joanna Gutmann
Category: Communication Skills
Credit price: 3 download credits (Single user)
The concept of rights often causes difficulty because of the perception of ‘standing up for your rights’ as being aggressive. Introducing the subject, by comparing rights in assertiveness to legal rights, helps them to appear less threatening. The following information on rights is also contained in a handout for participants. It is important to stress that rights are a matter for the individual to consider, and it is not a case of their being told which rights they should exercise. You may also like to discuss the basis of self-esteem and beliefs which affect the rights that individuals give themselves and others. A self-confident person is naturally going to find it easier to stand up for their rights, whereas some with a less positive self-image will find it harder to speak out. People should be able to expect the following rights. The right to: have your own feelings, needs and opinions, and to have them respected by others; consider your own needs; ask (not to demand); refuse; not understand; be successful; make a mistake; change your mind; choose not to assert yourself; and be your own self. In order to prevent aggressive behaviour, it is essential to balance these rights with the responsibility that goes with them. There are dual responsibilities in terms of assertiveness: to respect the personal rights of others; and to assert your rights in a reasonable and responsible manner. For more information about these rights and responsibilities, see Handout 2.5 Rights and responsibilities – action points, within this training resource.
You introduce the concept of personal rights in assertiveness. Participants can consider their comfort with these and the extent to which they respect their own rights and those of others around them.
Who is it for: This training resource is intended for use by trainers to enable participants to understand the concept of rights in assertiveness and identify the rights they give themselves and others.
- Themes:
- Assertive behaviour,
- Responsibilities,
- Rights,
| Resource Type: | Activity |
| Min Group Size: | 4 |
| Max Group Size: | 12 |
| Typical Duration: | 01:10:00 |
| No of Pages: | 14 |
Resources: View standard resources for Fenman training activities
Purpose: This training resource is intended for use by trainers as the basis of all work on assertiveness. Unless participants have undergone basic assertiveness training, it is highly desirable that they take part in this training activity, followed by ‘Behaviour styles’ before any others in ‘The Assertiveness Skills Pack’.
Download the training activity, Rights in assertiveness as featured in the Fenman training manual; The Assertiveness Skills Pack