COMUNICAZIONE ASSERTIVA Ossia: Dì la tua mantenendo buoni rapporti

Assertiveness is the ability to express one’s emotions and opinions clearly and effectively, while maintaining good relationships with others. Assertive people express themselves authentically, listen actively, and ask for clarification without being either passive or aggressive, respecting themselves and others. This experiential course is designed to increase participants’ level of self-affirmation through the theory and practice of a variety of assertive communication techniques.

1 Oct. 2014
CIS Valmadrera (LC)
€155 + IVA (with lunch). Held in Italian.
Download the brochure here (pdf) for more information.

Why on earth is it so hard for so many women to speak positively about themselves and their accomplishments? How many times have women told me things like: “Oh, that? It’s nothing special.” “It makes me uncomfortable to talk about myself and my successes, I don’t like to brag.” “I shouldn’t have to tell others (boss, colleagues, clients…) about what I’ve accomplished, the results should speak for themselves.” Or worse yet, and I heard this one again just the other day: “I can’t think of anything I’m particularly good at.”

Well, whatever the reason for this self-imposed modesty, this humble nature, it’s important to get beyond it. Self-promotion – within reason, of course – is a prerequisite not only to advancing professionally, but also to reinforcing your self-esteem.

If you cringe at the thought of having to market yourself, even minimally through a simple conversation, I’d like to recommend an effective book by author Peggy Klaus: “Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn without Blowing It”(Warner Business Books). It’s based on the premise that “In today’s cutthroat business world… bragging is a necessity – not a choice! Remaining quiet about your successes only leads to being underappreciated and overlooked.”

For women who prefer learning through “live” practicing, see the News & Events section for a couple of upcoming courses on this subject, one in English and one in Italian.

It’s time to start speaking up about yourself. If you don’t, who will?

As a parent, I am always happy – relieved, even – when September rolls around and it’s time for the kids to return to school. As a professional, why hasn’t a similar annual reminder to think about my education been firmly ingrained into my brain? Now is the time for that to happen: taking learning and development into your own hands has become crucial to continued professional success in today’s economy.

LinkedIn cofounder and executive chairman Reid Hoffman, spurred by the recent publication of his book “The Start-up of You”(Crown Business), states in a March 2012 interview by Reader’s Digest: “It’s no longer: I do my job, and The Man promotes me. You must develop your own capabilities, your own assets, your own opportunities.…The real question is how you invest in yourself every week and every month, just like businesses do–because businesses that don’t invest in themselves are terminal businesses.”

Developing your skills and knowledge is one of the primary aspects of investing in yourself. What is your next self-development move?

For further advice on proactively managing your professional success, see “Working Women and Self-Managing Your Career”, where life-long learning is one of the top 5 proactive moves implemented by real-life women of Milan.

Autorevolezza e assertività al femminile: Affermare la propria leadership

Designed to empower women to assert themselves as leaders both professionally and personally, this program is comprised of three interactive half-day modules and an individual coaching session. Participants will develop assertive communication and self-management skills, increase self-assurance, and become more aware of what it means to personally be a leader.

28 Oct., 12 & 26 Nov. 2013
9:00-13:00
CIS Valmadrera (LC)
€390 + IVA (incl. coaching session and lunches). Held in Italian. Visit here for more information.