Straight Talking

Aim: To show why honesty really is the best policy.

The ability to 'speak up' in an effective, assertive manner is a mandatory skill for all employees in a quality organization. John Cleese shows how to master the techniques of assertive behavior in a series of settings. First, we see how submissive behavior and hesitancy can cause a person's point of view to be ignored. As rights are neglected, resentment builds to the point where people lose their confidence and become de-motivated.

Aggressive behavior is no better. People do not respond positively when bullied or treated like doormats. Aggressors may appear to get their way, but they do not win cooperation, only indignation. Between submission and aggression is a balance point: assertiveness. The basic rule of assertive behavior is to be honest with oneself and with other people, without indulging in emotional comments. Honesty makes communication possible because it helps reveal what other people think.

It is also vital to decide what is negotiable and what is not. Repeating the position, while trying to be helpful and inviting others to assist in solving the problem, makes it clear that the negotiation is between equals. As Straight Talking shows, assertive behavior does not guarantee success. But it does give people the best chance of arriving at a mutually satisfactory solution and laying the groundwork for a good working relationship in the future.

Suggested Uses:

Learning Objectives:

Program includes:

27 minute VHS Video or DVD, Course Leader's Guide, Delegate worksheets, PowerPoint slides, and Self-study workbook on disk.

Key Skills:

• Assertiveness Training
• Negotiation Skills
• Customer Service Skills
• Leadership Skills