The Books
Anne Dickson defines assertiveness as the art of direct, clear, honest communication on an equal footing between the speakers. An assertive approach builds self-esteem and the ability to make one’s own choices in life. Assertiveness helps manage the anxiety and stress of communicating in difficult situations.
Instead of being governed by the need to please others or being reproachful, assertiveness teaches us to take responsibility for our own feelings and to understand our behaviour. With assertiveness, you will begin to develop a real sense of confidence, respect and self-esteem, and gain the freedom to be who you really are and not adhere to the image others have of you. Assertiveness is much more than just a communication technique. It touches a very deep level in our personality and allows us to overcome the resistance that we may put up to protect ourselves and that pushes many of us to the side of aggression.
Assertiveness has nothing to do with intimidating others, and men in particular, or occupying a dominant position in the bedroom or even in a boardroom. It is more generally and simply about a balanced approach to life.
Assertiveness applies in all areas of life, personal and professional, where it enables us at all times to build on our self-esteem, to deal with anxiety, anger, criticism, confrontation, to take responsibility, to make our choices and to be able to implement them, to enforce our individual rights on an equal footing with others.
Anne Dickson
Anne Dickson has worked as a psychologist, writer and independent trainer for well over 40 years. She is recognised as an authority on personal development for women, assertiveness training and interactive communication. Her bestseller, A Woman in Your Own Right, published in 1982, has remained in print ever since, and has been translated into fourteen languages. It is still used as a reference manual for assertiveness trainers around the world. Anne Dickson has conducted numerous training courses in the UK and abroad: including Ireland, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Hungary, South Africa and Japan, for a wide range of private and public groups and organisations.