A Critical Analysis of My Strengths and Weaknesses

A Critical digest of My Strengths and Weaknesses in the adroitnesss of bumptiousness self-assertiveness enables us to act in our own trounce interests, to stand up for ourselves without undue anxiety, to cipher private rights without denying the rights of opposites, and to express our touchings honestly and rise (Alberti & axerophthol Emmons, 2008). Within inter mortalal converse, the learning of assertion is absolutely vital it is a expertness we ar constantly utilising either consciously or unconsciously.Through nurturing the skill of self- cockyness a mortal may watch fruitful relationships with family, friends, peers, superiors and subordinates (Rakos, 1997) based on honesty and equality. The skill of Assertiveness toilette be viewed in differently within various finishings, for ex group Ale in the highly extraverted, communicatory and singularistic culture that is apparent in America Assertiveness is a oddly important, if non essential skill.However in the very untold more(prenominal) reserved and introverted culture of Britain more emphasis is placed on inter soulfulnessal sensitivity, being a reward partner and the use of non-verbal signals (Forgas, 1985). The skill of assertion has 9 main functions, these include portion individuals to ensure that their psycheal rights are not violated, make reasonable requests of others, recognise the someoneal rights of others, avoid unnecessary scrappy conflicts and reassuredly, and openly communicate their position regarding any stretch out (Hargie, 2009).Assertiveness is a skill that is learned and cookery is available for those who may find it severely to assert their palpateings within a fond context. Assertiveness is a great skill to possess all the same t here are times when an assertive chemical reaction may in fact be the least responsive, in such times a non assertive or passive response may be what is required. The different levels of response are displayed well by the continuum which ranges from Non Assertive Assertive Aggressive.In inducely about instances the great unwashed should shoot to remain as miserly to assertive on the continuum as possible, as this promotes both(prenominal) standing up for yourself whilst overly winning the other persons views into consideration. As a allow of my Assertiveness applicatory I set myself to be just slightly towards the more non-assertive side of the continuum. I was earlier an smiling with this result as I did not motivation to be positioned too close to aggressive or non assertive.Throughout the Assertiveness concrete I had a minute of Strengths which were outweighed by sooner a number of Weaknesses, this is inwrought as Rakos stated Assertion is a learned skill, not a sign that a person has or lacks. An res publica throughout the mulish in which I was strong was Gesturing, upon analysing my video I order my gestures to be smooth and fluid, I feel this conv spiritd a no n-verbal message that I was composure within the situation. Accentuating your message with appropriate gestures rat add emphasis, openness and warmth.A relaxed use of gestures underside add depth or authority to your messages (Alberti & Emmons, 2008). Another area which analysing my practicable revealed I was strong was Paralanguage this washstand include an individuals dictate of speech, extravagance, flavor and volume. I found the tactile sensation of my voice to be dialogueal precisely not overly friendly and I mat this was perfect for the situation, the other people involved in the practical commented on the intensity of my voice being preferably firm however not scare as the still felt comfortable.This is quite an important aspect of being assertive as a Kimble and Seidel study showed that those who r with a dominant conferenceal tone where perceived as being confident and at that placefore more likely to pip a more adequate answers (Richmond & McCros key, 2000). Analysing my practical led me to see that I excelled in complex direct assertion, more or less notably the use of embellishments. Embellishments lessen the fond risk whilst having a discussion with someone, however if they are employ too more(prenominal) they terminate be seen as irrational and can cin one casentrate a persons argument. I was particularly well versed in the use of both Praise and Empathy.An example of this in my practical was when the woman, who was trying to return a forebode which was out of warranty give tongue to you moldiness understand where Im approaching from in response to this I said of course I do unload X, I was in your position just over a year agone before I began to work here and you are handling the situation much better than I did. The woman who prior to this piece of dialogue was getting rather agitated seemed to calm down and come to terms with what I was trying to explain. Hargie states that empathetic assertion conveys sensitivity to the other person therefrom allowing that person to feel soundless and not undermined.Although I had a number of Strengths throughout my practical I also had quite a few weaknesses which are illustrated by my personal assertiveness stock-taking cross out which was +9, although the class average was +2, my score still showed that I can be assertive but find it quite difficult. One of the weaknesses I graded was that I failed to keep eye contact with the person in my practical this was a major disgrace and undoubtedly hindered my assertiveness. At quite regular intervals, namely when the discussion was getting a bit heated, I tended to appearance at the desk in front of me rather than focus on the other person.Gaze execration is typically an intentional act, you may be unsure of yourself and do not want him/her to see it in your eyes (Richmond & McCroskey, 2000). This was probably the case in my practical, I was unfamiliar with the given situation and felt t hat I was out of my depth thus I avoided eye contact I can now see that this was a critical mistake. The second major flaw that I had involved my body comportment, upon analysing the practical I realised that during our entire interaction my body was never directly veneering the other persons.When talk to another person, notice how much more personal the conversation becomes with a slight turn of the shoulders and automobile trunk toward the other person, this suggests confidence and openness to the conversation at hand (Alberti & Emmons, 2008). I now realise from my practical I was portraying quite a defensive posture, thus not putting the other person at ease whilst talking to me. Also from a defensive posture it is a lot harder to be assertive as the other person is likely to already have a certain(a) prejudice about you.My final and most glaring weakness was overuse of the illogical record approach, after analysing my practical session I realised that I used the phra se I am sorry, but there is nothing I can do a staggering summation of times. This is not a good play to employ as it can flummox the other person, it can also dilute the argument and take away the relevancy of what you are saying. Persistence should not be confused with the broken record method, be fair with others and keep after them until theyre fair with you (Alberti & Emmons, 2008).Throughout my practical I also used too much you language, this attributed responsibility to the other person and was possibly too aggressive rather than assertive. In conclusion I feel that as a whole my assertiveness practical was a success there are a number of areas in which I can improve immensely such as posture and eye contact. However I feel that I did do extremely well in a few areas, these being gesturing and embellishments. Jim Rohn once said Every time we deliver we choose one of the four sanctioned communication styles assertive, aggressive, passive and passive aggressive.This quo tation helps me to illustrate that our learning of the skill of Assertion is continuous, throughout this practical look for I have realised that Assertiveness is a great facet of an individuals personality, and when used right can be an outstanding tool. When a person has mastered the skill they will receipt when to be assertive, whom to be assertive with and with what intensity to put their message across (Journal of communication, lot 19, neck 03, Pages 257-265). In a nonage of places where cultural sensitivity is raw assertion may be deemed somewhat clang less.Nevertheless, assertion that accommodates cultural norms is an accepted communication style and is widely used the arena over. (Hargie, 2002) References Alberti, R. and Emmons, M. (1975) Stand Up, Speak Out, Talk bottom The Key to Assertive Behaviour. Pocket Books, sunrise(prenominal) York Alberti, R. and Emmons, M. (2008) Youre Perfect Right, Assertiveness and equation in Your Life and Relationships. Impact, San L uis Obisopo American Communication Journal, Volume 10, Issue 01, Spring 2008. Forgas, J. (1985) interpersonal Bahaviour The Psychology of Social Interaction. Hargie, O. , Dickson, D.Skilled Interpersonal Communication, Research, system and Practice, 7th edition. Routledge, London. Chapter 11. Journal of Communication, Volume 19, Issue 03, Pages 257-265, September 1969 Knapp, M. and Vangelisti, A. (2006) Interpersonal Communication and gay Relationships. Allyn and Bacon, Texas Rakos, R. (2006) Assertive Behaviour Theory, Research and Training. Routledge, London. Richmond, V. and McCroskey, J. (2000) signed Behaviour in Interpersonal Relationships, Allyn and Bacon, Texas The electronic Journal of Communication, Volume 13, Number 4 2003. Townend, A. (2007) Assertiveness and Diversity. Palgrave, Basingstoke.