Saturday, 3 May 2008
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
How assertive are you?
How do you think you'd fare on the assertiveness scale? Do you know how to get the most out of those around you? Don't know then why not try this revealing quiz by Everywoman and discover what you're really like!
This quiz features in “Assert Yourself” from the series of everywoman Simple Approach to business guides. Buy the book here... . So go on, give it a go and see how you get on. Why not let Womens Biz Network know the outcome atthe comments box?............
How often do you feel ‘put upon’ at work?
a) Regularly, but it is what I expect.
b) I generally feel in control of my workload.
c) Colleagues have finally realised that I am not to be imposed upon.
How do you feel when someone seeks your opinion?
a) Very grateful as it happens so rarely.
b) I feel happy that they value my judgments.
c) Colleagues usually know my opinions already—if they have to ask they weren’t listening!
You’re having a discussion with someone who isn’t giving you a chance to respond. What do you do?
a) Wait and listen. They may have something valuable to say.
b) Make eye contact and let my body language show I’m about to speak, before starting to make my point.
c) Talk louder than them—they’ll soon stop and listen!
If a colleague asks you to do something which you feel isn’t your responsibility, what do you do? a) Try to fit it in—it’s important to be as helpful as possible.
b) It may provide a useful learning experience, so try to fit it in, but make sure they know I’m doing them a favour.
c) Refuse—it’s their job and their responsibility.
How do you feel about other members of your team?
a) I worry that they don’t think much of me.
b) I respect their experience. We’re all on the same team.
c) I don’t think much of them, so try to avoid them so I can get on with my job.
A colleague stops by to chat but stays too long, preventing you from getting on with your work. What do you do?
a) Let them stay, and resign myself to staying late to finish.
b) Explain that I have a deadline to meet and suggest they return another time.
c) Tell them to stop bothering me—can’t they see I’m busy?
You suspect a colleague dislikes you, but aren’t sure why. How do you deal with this?
a) Pretend I’m unaware of their attitude and try my best to avoid them.
b) Talk to them to find out the reason for their aversion.
c) Be confrontational in my dealings with them so that next time they will think twice about being haughty.
How did you score? Now add up your scores.
a = 1
b = 2
c = 3
5–10: You’re at the passive end of the assertiveness scale, and if you’re not careful you’ll end up being taken for granted which will make you very unhappy. Assertiveness is not simply about talking more and louder; read chapter 2 to discover new ways of developing presence—let people know you are there! Learn how to control others’ perceptions of you by reading chapter 5. Bullying is never acceptable. If you think you’re being treated unfairly or being bullied, chapter 6 offers advice on dealing with your situation.
11–15: You have a balanced, assertive approach to your work and colleagues, which would be good to build upon. Develop your non-verbal communication and leadership skills (chapters 5 and 7) in order to hone your abilities and achieve your full potential.
16–21: You’re in danger of being aggressive and making enemies. Perhaps your behaviour stems from a lack of confidence in your abilities, and you’re overcompensating for this. Chapters 3 and 7 offer ideas for building confidence. Remember to communicate effectively by listening actively and mirroring your colleagues’ body language (chapters 2 and 4). You’re all working for the same side, so you don’t feel the need to compete for supremacy!
This quiz features in “Assert Yourself” from the series of everywoman Simple Approach to business guides. Buy the book here... . So go on, give it a go and see how you get on. Why not let Womens Biz Network know the outcome atthe comments box?............
How often do you feel ‘put upon’ at work?
a) Regularly, but it is what I expect.
b) I generally feel in control of my workload.
c) Colleagues have finally realised that I am not to be imposed upon.
How do you feel when someone seeks your opinion?
a) Very grateful as it happens so rarely.
b) I feel happy that they value my judgments.
c) Colleagues usually know my opinions already—if they have to ask they weren’t listening!
You’re having a discussion with someone who isn’t giving you a chance to respond. What do you do?
a) Wait and listen. They may have something valuable to say.
b) Make eye contact and let my body language show I’m about to speak, before starting to make my point.
c) Talk louder than them—they’ll soon stop and listen!
If a colleague asks you to do something which you feel isn’t your responsibility, what do you do? a) Try to fit it in—it’s important to be as helpful as possible.
b) It may provide a useful learning experience, so try to fit it in, but make sure they know I’m doing them a favour.
c) Refuse—it’s their job and their responsibility.
How do you feel about other members of your team?
a) I worry that they don’t think much of me.
b) I respect their experience. We’re all on the same team.
c) I don’t think much of them, so try to avoid them so I can get on with my job.
A colleague stops by to chat but stays too long, preventing you from getting on with your work. What do you do?
a) Let them stay, and resign myself to staying late to finish.
b) Explain that I have a deadline to meet and suggest they return another time.
c) Tell them to stop bothering me—can’t they see I’m busy?
You suspect a colleague dislikes you, but aren’t sure why. How do you deal with this?
a) Pretend I’m unaware of their attitude and try my best to avoid them.
b) Talk to them to find out the reason for their aversion.
c) Be confrontational in my dealings with them so that next time they will think twice about being haughty.
How did you score? Now add up your scores.
a = 1
b = 2
c = 3
5–10: You’re at the passive end of the assertiveness scale, and if you’re not careful you’ll end up being taken for granted which will make you very unhappy. Assertiveness is not simply about talking more and louder; read chapter 2 to discover new ways of developing presence—let people know you are there! Learn how to control others’ perceptions of you by reading chapter 5. Bullying is never acceptable. If you think you’re being treated unfairly or being bullied, chapter 6 offers advice on dealing with your situation.
11–15: You have a balanced, assertive approach to your work and colleagues, which would be good to build upon. Develop your non-verbal communication and leadership skills (chapters 5 and 7) in order to hone your abilities and achieve your full potential.
16–21: You’re in danger of being aggressive and making enemies. Perhaps your behaviour stems from a lack of confidence in your abilities, and you’re overcompensating for this. Chapters 3 and 7 offer ideas for building confidence. Remember to communicate effectively by listening actively and mirroring your colleagues’ body language (chapters 2 and 4). You’re all working for the same side, so you don’t feel the need to compete for supremacy!
Leadership Workshop Opportunities at Cranfield
Cranfield University's studies show that only 4% of women middle managers progress to executive directorship level. Based on 15 years research in the field of women in management, theirLeading-edge workshop will help you, as a woman, progress into a senior leadership role with greater conviction. It will identify the issues holding you back and develop behavioural strategies to meet them, using 360 feedback and advice given by the tutors and other participants through the co-consulting process in the workshop.
Women's Biz Network has been informed that The Women as Leaders Workshop has been running for eight years at Cranfield. This programme feeds back on your individual leadership profile, identifies your personal definition of career success and helps you to recognise how to advance your career in a male dominated organisation. Find out how our programme has helped other women professionals or read what you could get out of this motivating program
One past participant commented: "I have just accepted a new job I will report to the MD And have taken on a massive but very interesting role. And it's all thanks to your programme - which gave me the time to think about what I wanted to do - and the confidence to take this on".
Their next programme is running on 1 - 3 July 2008. So if you are interested in an executive position but recognise that women have a tougher time than men in getting to the top, come and meet some like-minded professionals and they will help you develop a successful career strategy. For more information visit their website http://www.som.cranfield.ac.uk/som/executive/course/overview.asp?id=46 or call Mary Mills on +44(0)1234 754502.
Women's Biz Network has been informed that The Women as Leaders Workshop has been running for eight years at Cranfield. This programme feeds back on your individual leadership profile, identifies your personal definition of career success and helps you to recognise how to advance your career in a male dominated organisation. Find out how our programme has helped other women professionals or read what you could get out of this motivating program
One past participant commented: "I have just accepted a new job I will report to the MD And have taken on a massive but very interesting role. And it's all thanks to your programme - which gave me the time to think about what I wanted to do - and the confidence to take this on".
Their next programme is running on 1 - 3 July 2008. So if you are interested in an executive position but recognise that women have a tougher time than men in getting to the top, come and meet some like-minded professionals and they will help you develop a successful career strategy. For more information visit their website http://www.som.cranfield.ac.uk/som/executive/course/overview.asp?id=46 or call Mary Mills on +44(0)1234 754502.
Local Women Urged to Enter Top Awards
Calling all female members of Womens Biz Network and Carmarthenshire Chamber. Nominations for this year's prestigious Swansea Bay Woman of the Year Awards are now being sought from across Swansea Bay. Individuals from Neath, Port Talbot, Swansea and Carmarthenshire are being urged to enter themselves, friends, family members or work colleagues into one of the five categories, one of which is new.
The Exporter Award has been introduced in recognition of women who have successfully exploited opportunities in the global market place.
Other categories include: Business, Community, Technology and Management. The nominations for the awards must be submitted no later than Friday 12th September.
Claire Goldsworthy, Head of Private Client at John Collins & Partners LLP Solicitors, the event’s main sponsors, commented at the launch “It is very exiting to be once again launching nominations for the Awards. At JCP we are delighted to continue supporting this event. Each year the winners have been inspirational role models and ambassadors for the region – and I am sure that this years’ nominees, finalists and winners will be no exception”.
The Swansea Bay Woman of the Year, now in its fifth year, aims to promote and celebrate the role of women in all sectors of society. Recognising their achievements and to provide role models to inspire others and the region as whole.
The category winners will be announced at a dinner and awards ceremony hosted by the BBC’s Sara Edwards at Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall, on Wednesday 26th November, where the overall winner will also be named.
For a nomination form go to http://www.thebayinbusiness.com/assets/forms/SBWY1.pdf or to reserve a table or seat at the event contact Sarah Toomey on 01792 545066 sarah.toomey@swansea.gov.uk
or visit www.thebayinbusiness.com
The Exporter Award has been introduced in recognition of women who have successfully exploited opportunities in the global market place.
Other categories include: Business, Community, Technology and Management. The nominations for the awards must be submitted no later than Friday 12th September.
Claire Goldsworthy, Head of Private Client at John Collins & Partners LLP Solicitors, the event’s main sponsors, commented at the launch “It is very exiting to be once again launching nominations for the Awards. At JCP we are delighted to continue supporting this event. Each year the winners have been inspirational role models and ambassadors for the region – and I am sure that this years’ nominees, finalists and winners will be no exception”.
The Swansea Bay Woman of the Year, now in its fifth year, aims to promote and celebrate the role of women in all sectors of society. Recognising their achievements and to provide role models to inspire others and the region as whole.
The category winners will be announced at a dinner and awards ceremony hosted by the BBC’s Sara Edwards at Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall, on Wednesday 26th November, where the overall winner will also be named.
For a nomination form go to http://www.thebayinbusiness.com/assets/forms/SBWY1.pdf or to reserve a table or seat at the event contact Sarah Toomey on 01792 545066 sarah.toomey@swansea.gov.uk
or visit www.thebayinbusiness.com
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