PAs Can Advance Careers Better By Learning Assertiveness Skills
PAs learning assertiveness skills can develop greater confidence and advance further in their careers, says management development specialist KJ Associates.
Katie Jones of Ringwood-based KJ Associates said: "Assertiveness does not come naturally to some women, but it is necessary in today's competitive workplace.
"An awareness of effective working relationships through better communication using assertive techniques will increase confidence and help the individual to become more effective in the working environment."
Katie said the benefits include greater self-confidence and self-control, less stress, objective thinking leading to better decision making, greater influence with people at all levels and the ability to avoid crises - all of which benefit the employer as much as the individual.
"Some women - particularly if they work mostly with men - can take on an aggressive stance to get themselves heard, and that rarely sits comfortably with a woman.
"That's because many successful women see men they work with as role models, who may well use aggressive behaviour to progress and achieve what they want - and women often assume they have to do the same.
"But the reality is that aggression is not the best way to operate - it will often receive aggression back, which just leads to confrontation - and is rarely the mose effective style for a woman to communicate.
"The message imparted by parents and society in general is that men are encouraged to be tough, strong, in control, not to back down, give as good as you get, show no weakness and win if you can - never mind the cost.
"Whereas women are still encouraged to be gentle, to follow, be compassionate, put others before themselves, share, not argue, and not get angry.
"That doesn't help women advance at work or achieve their true potential - being too passive can prevent them moving into job roles that are more fulfilling."
KJ Associates runs inhouse training courses for companies and organisations on assertiveness and confidence for both men and women. To request details telephone (01425) 471597.