Caldwell College

What Does It Mean To Be “Assertive”? Standing up for the “best treatment” for your

client Being able to defend your stance in meetings

with other providers Assertive affect Protecting yourself Knowing how and when to say “no” Asking for what you want Asking for frequent feedback

Assertive Behaviors in Meetings Sit up straight, put hands in front of you, calmly fold them Present information in logical, organized, and concise

fashion Make good, strong eye contact If unsuccessful, you may have to

be a little more assertive As you speak, look at everyone at the table Do not raise your voice, shrill, squint, roll your eyes,

make faces, and most of all do not apologize for what you’re saying

Use DRO to recognize parts you agree with

Assertiveness On Behalf of Your Client Most frequent occasion – Group decisions made

in team meetings People often inclined to go along with people

who present ideas in an “adamant, emotional manner”

Before you decide to be assertive, make sure you’re right and your idea will help client

Don’t be assertive on every issue, only a few

Assertive Affect Make sure your body and voice are in sync and

show strength Speak with a strong voice and avoid “up speech”

(i.e., upward inflection and question mark) Save “young person vernacular” (e.g., “dude”,

“bro”, “like totally”) Strong voice is your primary weapon Answer questions directly and do not let others

sidetrack you Offer to abandon strategy if proven wrong

Assertiveness On Your Own Behalf Most important when new at a job (e.g. first 90 days) First 90 days usually include an unwritten grace period to

“ask stupid questions” so ASK QUESTIONS! If unsure of something, say “I don’t understand.” Don’t sound whiny like you’re trying to get out of

something Know the table of organization to know your “chain of

command”

Just Say “No”

Behavior analysts around the country say this is one of the most difficult, yet critical, skills for new, young BCBAs to develop

An important skill when your ethics are challenged, especially when new employees want to please their employers

How to Say “No”

Please Explain Yourself Don’t just say “no” and nothing else – include an explanation It is acceptable to say you are busy, if you are When you’re good at what you do, you may be asked to do other

projects not in your skill set – politely explain you’re not experienced in that area

How to Say “No”

Educating OthersFollowing a “no” with facts to educateEx.: If faced with an ethical dilemma say,

“No, I am bound by the Guidelines for Responsible Conduct”

Ex.: If presented with a treatment that is not scientifically proven, advocate for the use of sound behavioral procedures

How to Say “No”

How About This Instead?Offer an alternative solution

○ Ex. If busy, suggest another person

Saying “No” Is Hard to DoBehavior analysts should have integrity –

Be honest and direct

Ask For What You Want

Let the people who make decisions know what you want – they can’t read your mind!

How Am I Doing?

Ask for feedback on how you’re doingThis can help improve your performance

Don’t ask too oftenAsking at least quarterly will help in the long run

If your supervisor doesn’t take the time to give feedback in writingSummarize your notes and e-mail to your

supervisor – leaves a paper trail for the future

Summary

Assertiveness is a key skill for behavior analysts to be highly effective advocates for clients and for behavioral services

Important to know when and how to be assertive

Learn to say “no” in a nice, but firm way Ask for what you need Routinely ask for feedback

References

Bailey, J. S., & Burch, M. R. (2010). Twenty-five essential skills & strategies for the professional behavior analyst. New York: Routledge Publishing.