Lesson 2: Assertiveness
C. Defining & Claiming
Self-Respect
The first
thing to remember is that respect is going
to come from individual appreciation of
ourselves, and then hopefully extending
the same respect to our co-workers. Ultimately,
we then collectively project that image
to the public - our patients, clients, or
customers.
We can start gaining the
respect that we deserve by showing respect
to one another. Now look through this section
and consider these points to start earning
the respect that you deserve.
Self-respect
means to hold oneself in esteem and
to consider oneself with dignity.
The desire for self-esteem is thought
to be an individual's most basic drive.
What we really want more than anything
we in the world is the realization
that we are worthwhile persons.
Schuler, 1980 |
People
having strong self-accepting attitudes
possess characteristics which are
in harmony with one who behaves
assertively.
Johnson,
1972 |
Individuals who respect themselves:
- Have a firm belief in
certain values and principles which are
upheld even in the face of strong group
opinion. They are secure enough to modify
these values, however, if new evidence
or experience warrants it.
- Act on their own best judgment without
feeling excessively guilty or regretting
their actions even if others disapprove.
- Do not spend undue time worrying about
the past, the future, or the present.
- Are confident in their ability to deal
with problems, including failure and
setbacks.
- Feel equal to others as a person, regardless
of their differences in abilities, family
backgrounds, or attitudes.
- View themselves as people
of interest and value to others, especially
to those with whom they choose to associate.
- Can accept praise without pretending
to be modest and compliments without feeling
guilty.
- Resist the efforts of others to dominate
them.
- Admit to themselves and others that
they possess a wide range of feelings
- including love, anger, sadness, joy,
and resentment.
- Genuinely enjoy themselves in a variety
of activities involving work, play,
creative expression, companionship, and
loafing.
- Possess sensitivity
to the needs of others, to accepted social
customs, and especially to the idea that
they will not advance themselves at the
expense of others.
Very
simply, a worthwhile guideline to
follow is to do what you value and
value what you do.
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Lesson
2 covers appropriate expression
of feelings, assertiveness, and barriers
to assertiveness. 