This workbook on Personality Development by the author Dr Rituporna Raj, covering Assertiveness Development is a practical guide book for anyone desirous of gaining this much values skill. The exercises and explanations are meant to help the reader gain useful insights into his/her own personality and then take remedial actions and improve. Thus this workbook can be used by students, executives and housewives equally and with dramatic results. The truth of Assertive behaviour is living wisely and this workbook is designed to achieve this.
This workbook is a result of many years of research by Dr Rituporna Raj which formed the basis of the study material prepared by her for use by her during her training programmes and workshops and as such many chapters have Activities which the reader has to perform as he/ashe progresses.
Chapter 1 is an introduction to Assertiveness – its importance and relevance in today’s world.
Chapter 2 is an introduction to the basics of Assertiveness Training. The chapter stresses the fact that you can change your whole life and its destiny by making some changes in your behaviour, sometimes even very small, trivial changes. Appropriate behavioural choices are included in the chapter.
Chapter 3 provides the readers Guidelines for Assertive Behaviour. These guidelines are meant to help the reader to internalise assertive behaviour.
Chapter 4 gives the reader some helpful tips to understand and know when and where to assert themselves, where and when to let go and where and when to go all out.
Chapter 5 covers vital issues like Self-awareness, Self-esteem & Positive Self-image. People demonstrate whether they are assertive, aggressive or submissive most of the time, by the manner they communicate with others. This chapter provides useful tools to increase Self-esteem and help develop assertive behaviour.
Chapter 6 deals with the very important aspect of dealing with difficult people and difficult situation and how Assertiveness can help the reader during tricky situations.
Chapter 7 deals with the mastery over self, whether it is termed as self-control or willpower, which is an important part of assertion. One can said to be assertive only when one has control over himself. This chapter covers knowledge of various self-regulatory behaviours.
Chapter 8, 9 and 10 covers an important aspects of communication i.e. the art of expressing feelings appropriately, handling personal insults or assertive skills in the social field.
Chapter 11 & 12 covers aspects of Assertive Behaviour in Personal Relationships and problems associated with lack of having Assertiveness Skills.
Thus the content of the workbook is meant to effect positive changes in the reader’s personality. As Dr Raj states, “If you do not learn to express your feelings and desires openly within the close relationship, the closeness of the relationship suffers and misunderstandings develop.” The workbook is written in very simple and easy to understand English which is typical of Dr Raj’s writings.
Sanjib Raj
Management Consultant & Youth Counsellor
