Weds 12 and Thurs 13 March | 10.00-12.00

Choosing when to behave assertively can have a positive effect on the way you feel and present yourself as a researcher. Assertive behaviour may also positively impact how others respond to you, and can improve communication in your relationships with research participants, stakeholders, supervisors, PIs, and collaborators. Practicing your assertiveness skills will empower you when you want to give voice to your ideas; offer your experiences and expertise; negotiate with others; or engage in difficult conversations and resolve potential conflicts.

This programme offers an array of assertive approaches that help you assess your current responses to situations and people, and identify what you'd like to change in the way you communicate in certain situations. The focus is on identifying then making a better balance and respect for your own needs, priorities, and feelings, alongside those of others. The session includes opportunities for practical application, in a safe and confidential space. You will practice with a range of tools that you adapt for your individual context, relationships, and communication preferences.

Engage in this programme, and you will be enabled to:

• Differentiate between assertive, passive, aggressive and passive-aggressive behaviours (includes some myth-busting)
• Review your responses to a range of situations and identify what you want to change
• Choose to prioritise conversations, relationships, or situations that matter most to you
• Practice with a range of assertiveness techniques and adapt them for your scenarios
• Turn your insights into achievable behaviour changes that you can implement straight away