Assertive Communication Simulation

Overview/Description
 You are a team leader in an international consulting firm which primarily serves the manufacturing industry. Your group is responsible for producing high-priced Executive Conferences, for PR and for profit. While (and because) the group's initial meetings were very profitable, the need for more dollars to fund other efforts prompted a new mandate: You must reduce production cycles in order to increase the number of conferences and the industries they target. The firm's goal: to increase profit as well as to gain exposure in new markets. While you had your concerns about implementing this strategy, you informed the team and outlined a streamlined procedure to reduce production times. However, several months later you found production times were longer than ever before. Your supervisor decided to step in and institute financial penalties for late delivery of conference agendas and programs. She announced this while you were on vacation, and on top of that, she put one of your best content developers "on probation." Her justification: the company is a flat organization and your team members are her direct reports. The simulation begins here. Your hand-picked team is on the verge of revolt, and they want you to do something. You must find a way to balance the needs of your team with the demands of your supervisor. Realizing that things have gotten out of hand, you have decided to modify your professional style and work on a more assertive approach in order to gain and maintain control. This simulation is based on the Skillsoft series "Assertive Communication" and contains links to the following courses: COMM0171 and COMM0172.

Target Audience
 Business professionals, managers, executives, and supervisors.

Expected Duration
0.5 hours

Lesson Objectives:

Assertive Communication Simulation

  • utilizing active listening skills.
  • applying effective listening techniques.
  • using questioning methods that elicit constructive responses.
  • giving positive feedback.
  • providing constructive criticism.
  • saying no responsibly.
  • playing a problem-solver role.
  • practicing the decision-maker role.
  • employing the rule-maker role.
  • developing personal accountability.
  • choosing a positive approach.
  • utilizing common methods for achieving an assertive professional style.

    • Course Number: COMM0170