Break the Niceness Cycle: Assertive Communication Strategies for Women

Summary

It happens too often.

Women in the workplace want to express themselves authentically, but they hold back because they’re afraid of backlash.

They avoid being assertive for fear of being labeled “aggressive”.

They stay silent in meetings when they have valuable contributions to make.

They put everyone else’s needs above their own because they don’t want to appear uncooperative or unlikeable.

They don’t ask questions because they’re worried about what others will think.

And ultimately, these people-pleasing tendencies, as well-intentioned as they might be, end up holding them back.  

This 60-minute event will help professional women honor their opinions, ideas, and contributions. We’ll walk through common dilemmas that women run into in the workplace and offer practical advice for handling them.

Join us and walk away ready to stand your ground, display your talents and contributions, and claim your space in the workplace.

We’ll discuss:

  • The difference between being assertive and aggressive
  • Maintaining composure in the face of pushback
  • Diplomatic ways to say “no”
  • Strategies for respectfully disagreeing with colleagues
  • Alternatives to words and phrases that sound indecisive
  • Knowing your worth and advocating for yourself
  • BONUS Exclusive Content – All registrants will receive the following to ensure greater knowledge retention:
    • Hands-on tools & an event activity worksheet
    • A post-event knowledge test
    • The on-demand recording
    • Workshop Recap Cheat Sheet

    • Program Highlights

    Communicate with poise

    • How to use active listening skills to build rapport and trust
    • Words and phrases to use and those to avoid
    • Options for disagreeing graciously and confidently
    • Ways to say “No” decisively and diplomatically

    Handle difficult situations with confidence

    • Options for responding when someone steals your idea
    • Responses to a person who rambles on and on or repeatedly interrupts
    • Set boundaries when a colleague tries to take advantage of you
    • Disagree without sounding defensive or starting an argument

    Empower yourself while showing respect for your colleagues

    • Gain the confidence to speak up and contribute your ideas and opinions
    • Feel freer to express disagreement
    • Say “no” to a request or invitation while still being respectful

    Question and Answer Session - Your specific questions & unique challenges will be addressed!

    Program Benefits:

    Too many women fall into the niceness trap, and eventually, they end up stuck in a cycle of self-sabotage. If you can relate, this training is for you. We’ll help you right the course by giving you actionable tips to advocate for yourself at work – which will help propel your career forward.

    If you'd like this program customized for your organization, call us at 1-800-964-6033. We're certain we can fulfill your training needs, while making it fit in your budget!

    About the Speaker

    Ashley Cox
    Ashley Cox

    Ashley Cox, PHR, SHRM-CP Ashley is a leadership mentor for ambitious women who have a team, but no time. She empowers you to become a courageous and confident leader, and guides you in building a high-performance team you can trust and... rely on (without having to chase them to get things done). With over 18 years of experience, Ashley has worked with businesses of all sizes – from local startups to multi-million dollar national & international companies. She was a top recruiter and leadership expert for J.Crew and Kroger where she hired and developed employees at all levels, from hourly frontline workers to C-suite level executives. Ashley is also a highly sought-after speaker and author of the book Transform Your Stories.