Speaking up can be difficult — and sometimes overwhelming — especially if you are shy and lack confidence. It can feel pushy and overly aggressive to be assertive, especially if you’re timid or hate conflict. But help is at hand…
I first learned about the idea of an assertiveness formula many years ago, reading the book People Skills, by Robert Bolton. Although Bolton applied his formula to instances of everyday life (for example, discussing household chores), I found it equally appropriate for the workplace.