In Sonia’s previous article, we set out the importance of setting boundaries, and here explains how being assertive can help you set those boundaries.
In my 20s I went to an assertiveness class thinking that I needed to speak up more, and was rather disappointed to find that it was aimed at getting people to complain that their hot chocolate was not hot. Having been more than able to do that politely and effectively all my life, I was left wondering why I had been so critical of the course.
Grasp the subtle nature of assertiveness
I have since worked out that assertiveness in medical settings is a whole new ball game, and that whilst the principles are in fact identical to the hot chocolate scenario, and the thinking behind the actions are fundamentally the same, one needs to inherently grasp the subtle nature of the situation to see when and where assertiveness needs to be applied.
